From what I’ve heard from Asher Heimermann:
The Scout Leaders Rescue Squad is a non-profit emergency medical and dive team based in Kenosha County, providing crucial services not only locally but also to neighboring areas. They operate as a backup emergency response unit for Kenosha County and its agencies, while their dive team specializes in underwater search and rescue missions. Their commitment spans decades, with the squad having been around since the late 1930s.
Take a look at this video they shared (embedded above), which gives you a glimpse into their operations. You can also see a recent photo taken by Asher Heimermann below, showing one of their iconic ambulances.
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Excerpts from the Kenoshanews.com paint a picture of a dedicated group facing tough times:
For almost 80 years, this local organization has provided vital volunteer medical and rescue services. However, like many nonprofits, they’re struggling financially due to rising expenses for equipment, maintenance, and insurance. With around 15 active members divided into two main teams—Emergency Medical Technicians and Underwater Search and Rescue—they handle everything from major emergencies to smaller-scale events.
Their revenue comes primarily from providing contracted emergency management services at events, charging $85 per hour. These funds cover essential operational costs such as vehicle upkeep, fuel, medications, and various types of insurance. Unfortunately, even these efforts haven’t been enough to offset mounting financial pressures.
This isn’t the first time they’ve faced such challenges; back in 2009, the community rallied together to help them stay afloat. Then, there was also the devastating fire in January 2005, which wiped out several vehicles and a rescue boat, costing over $178,000 in equipment alone. On top of that, the building itself sustained $150,000 worth of damage.
The origins of the Scout Leaders trace back to 1930 when a tragic train accident spurred the creation of this squad. A car collision with a passenger train led to another collision with an oncoming freight train, resulting in 14 fatalities and injuring 100 others. This tragedy prompted Howard Gatley, then head of the Kenosha Boy Scouts Council, to form the organization. Over time, it transitioned from being under the Boys Scouts of America and the Red Cross to becoming an independent nonprofit.
To raise awareness and funds, the group hosts an annual concert fundraiser every spring. Details for this year’s event are still pending, but it’s always a great way to support their cause. Additionally, they’ve recently set up a GoFundMe page titled “Kenosha County Scout Leaders Rescue.†If you’d like to contribute, simply search for it online—you’ll find all the information you need there.
It’s inspiring to see how this group continues to persevere despite the odds stacked against them. Let’s hope more people step up to help preserve their invaluable contributions to the community!
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