Ketchikan Volunteer
Rescue Squad
Mission
The Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad shall operate as a non-profit all volunteer organization formed to conduct wilderness search, rescue and recovery missions in the southeast region of Alaska. As members we dedicate our efforts to the saving of lives and property and stand ready to respond to all those who live, work or simply pass through our community. Our services are always provided free of charge to all those in their time of need and is made possible only through the donations and support of our community.
History
The Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad was established November 15, 1950, in response to a Pan American Airways crash near the airport on Annette Island. At the time of the Annette Island crash Ketchikan had no organized search and rescue capabilities with the exception of the U.S. Coast Guard.
KVRS was founded by members of the community to "Serve the Community of Ketchikan". Since that time our volunteers have donated thousands of hours to Search and Rescue Operations in the Ketchikan area. In fact our most important asset comes in the form of our volunteers, those people who are willing to leave their homes or work, sometimes in the middle of the night to help out. These people are what the Rescue Squad is all about and we are very proud of them.
Vision
Members of the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad share in the vision of assisting our community in providing a safe place to work and play, through innovative, well equipped, well trained, and dedicated volunteer professionals who take pride in the work they provide and the history that has made this organization what it is today. We are humbled by the stewardship place in our hands and strive to uphold the standards and ideals established by our founding fathers.