Members of the Tamaqua Rescue Squad (TRS) are holding their annual membership drive and fund drive.
Most residents in the borough should have received a fund drive brochure in the mail over the past few weeks.
TRS operates separately from the Tamaqua Fire Department and Tamaqua Community Ambulance Association, and does not receive any funds designated by Tamaqua Borough Council for those organizations.
“Rising operational costs are making it more difficult to meet our needs. Therefore, we are reaching out to our community for assistance,” said Robert J. ‘Bucky’ Derr, Squad secretary and director. “Your donation will go toward making new equipment purchases that will enable us to make a quicker and more efficient rescue, to help with everyday expenses, and to maintain equipment and vehicles.
Donations, made out to “Tamaqua Rescue Squad”, can be mailed to 19 Pine Street, Tamaqua PA 18252.
The squad responds to about 120 calls per year and does not bill anyone for its services. Derr added that new volunteers are always welcome, saying, “Interested parties may stop by the station any Thursday evening to inquire and learn what they do.”

The Tamaqua Rescue Squad was chartered July 7, 1969 with 15 members.
In 1975, the Squad acquired their first truck, a wrecked gas company utility truck with canopy. The members, along with Tom Banditelli Sr. of Tom’s Auto Body (Tom’s Auto and Marine) removed the canopy utility box, and installed a used open utility box, lights, siren, and a radio. The vehicle was painted and lettered. This vehicle was put in service as the first Tamaqua Emergency Rescue 992 (Unit 1) in 1977.
In 1977, the TRS purchased a one-story garage from the owners of the local taxi company at 19 Pine Street. The members added 5-feet to the front and raised the roof to a full A-frame style roof. They are still located at that address.
The rescue’s first call was to a building collapse. As the old Mary D schoolhouse was being demolished, part of the building collapsed trapping and injuring a worker.
In March 1979, the TRS acquired much sought after “jaws of life”, the Hurst Tool.
In 1984, after many hoagie sales, donations, and community support, the Heavy Rescue (992, Unit 2), the Mack, was purchased, and in 1985, the GMC (992, Unit 1) replaced the original 1977 Unit 1. In 2003, the current Ford F550 Rescue replaced the 1985 GMC Unit 1.
The rescue squad has recently accepted a bid to purchase a new 2015 Ford F550 Rescue truck from Spartan ERV that will replace the current 2003 Unit 1. The squad expects the delivery of the new truck in early 2015. This new truck is configured to carry more life-saving equipment and upgrades some current technology.