Franklin County Rescue Squad

10/20/2026

Today the FC Board of Supervisors recognized some of our volunteers in the County with 50+ years of service. What an honor to have served with these folks in my tenure at Squad 2.

Those receiving awards were :
Gary "Blade" Swicegood(received by Joy and Morgan)
Jeff Hodges(received by Julia)
Ruth Swicegood
Dolores Hudson

Thank you all for your service to FCRS and the citizens of Franklin County!

10/08/2026

Do you have a desire to volunteer but dont think you'd want to be on the ambulance crew? Join our auxiliary! These folks are amazing and do a great fundraising job for us. Reach out if you're interested. 🚑🇺🇸

10/01/2026

October 1:

This month we recognize Samantha Pitzer. Sam is a Ferrum College student but gives of her time at
FranklinCounty RescueSquad.

Sam joined Squad 2 in October 2025 because she wanted to do something important while in college and be there for people when they need help the most. Sam says she's always had a desire to help others, and volunteering with Squad 2 not only gave her the opportunity to turn that desire into something meaningful but she got to learn a bunch of new skills, be mentored by people who are passionate about what they do and why they do it but she also gets to be apart of a great team.

Sam became certified as an EMT in July 2026 and as a firefighter in August 2026. Both certifications have been a huge accomplishment for her, and Sam says she's proud to continue learning and growing in this field.

She'd like the public to know that being a volunteer is more than just responding to calls. It takes time, training, commitment, and a willingness to serve others. Volunteers give up evenings, weekends, holidays, and time with their families because they believe in helping their community. We may not always know the person we’re responding to, but when someone needs help, we’re there.

Thank you Sam for your commitment and dedication to Franklin County Rescue Squad and the citizens of Franklin County.

09/25/2026

09/15/2026

Tonight some of the squad members that had the privilege to run with Gary(Blade) Swicegood gathered on the patio to reminisce. I heard someone say he'd be proud we laughed and joked and wasnt sad. We will surely miss Blade and we're forever thankful for his 54 years of service to FCRS.

09/13/2026

Very honored that some members of FCRS took time to be a part of this.
May we never forget 9-11
🚑🇺🇸🚒❤️

Twenty-five years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, nearly 50 first responders in Rocky Mount came together to honor the men and women who never made it home.

09/11/2026

May we never forget....

Never forget those that lost their lives
Never forget those that lost loved ones
Never forget the many that were affected by that day
Never forget what our Country suffered

May we Never forget.....

09/10/2026

Gary Lee Swicegood age 72, of Rocky Mount, Va, answered his final call on September 9, 2026. Gary dedicated 54 years of his life to serving the community as a vital member of the Franklin County Rescue Squad. Known to colleagues and friends as "Blade." Blade joined the squad at a very young age and quickly became a pillar of reliability, bravery, and always stayed calm under pressure. Over a lifetime of service, he worked countless shifts, saved numerous lives, and mentored generations of incoming rookies. Whether responding to a midnight emergency or maintaining equipment at the station, Blade embodied the true spirit of a public servant. Blade held many officer positions with the highest being rank of Captain for many years. Thank you Blade for a job well done in your many years of service to FCRS! Please keep Joy, Morgan, Granny Ruth, Mollie, his many nieces and nephews and his FCRS family in your thought and prayers over the days ahead. 2243 we've got this from here!

09/01/2026

It's September yall! This month we recognize Cindy Newby.

Cindy started her EMS career back in 1988 in Ohio.
Cindy was able to put herself through nursing school working as a paramedic. Once she graduated from Kent State University and passed her boards, she got a job in the ER at Roanoke Community Hospital and moved to Franklin County. Cindy says the best thing was moving to Virginia. She started Ferrum Rescue back in 2000 and was there till about 2010. Cindy joined Franklin County Rescue Squad in 2025. Cindy says she loves being able to take care of her friends and neighbors and the challenge of giving care in the field. She loves the community in Franklin County and she thinks she is now considered to be a Dam Yankee because this is her home and she loves giving back to the community she lives in!!!
Thank you Cindy for your years of expertise you bring to the squad! Thank you for all you've done for the citizens of Frankin County.