Fischer Rescue’s New Truck
By Bonita Wilborn
According to Toni Mahoney, because of the combined efforts of the group known as Friends of Fischer Rescue Squad, Fischer Rescue Squad recently received a new truck. The group of 18 women had multiple fundraisers to make this happen.
The organization known as Friends of Fischer Rescue Squad was formed to honor the life of Laurence F. “Larry” Mahoney, who passed away on November 10, 2014. The family of Mr. Mahoney wanted a worthy cause for the donations that were being given in Mr. Mahoney’s memory. June, Larry’s sister, felt strongly that her brother would want the funds donated to the Fischer Rescue Squad, an integral part of the community where Larry and his wife Toni resided.
The Fischer Rescue Squad is one of the oldest operating rescue squads in the state of Alabama and is the oldest in DeKalb County. The squad was organized in the early 1960s by the Fischer Explorer Scouts for search and rescue and has been in operation ever since. The proud volunteer members have a goal to save lives and serve their community.
In Larry Mahoney’s lifetime, he served his New Hampshire community by volunteering as a ballot clerk for over 20 years. He helped widows when he lived in Florida doing any odd job needed. And after moving to the Fischer community, he spent many years volunteering with the Fischer Rescue Squad. Larry’s philosophy of life was that giving of your time and talents to others was the greatest gift you could give. Because Larry believed so strongly in the power of volunteerism, his widow, wanting to do something to honor the life of her husband, created the Friends of Fischer Rescue Squad.
Friends of Fischer Rescue Squad met monthly to plan and carry out fundraising activities for which all proceeds would go to the Fischer Rescue Squad.
“We participated in the World’s Longest Yard Sale, car washes, bake sales, sold antiques and homemade items, held raffles, and many other things. You name it, and we’ve tried it,” Toni explained. “One of the gentlemen in the rescue squad, Jason Cyrus, was very good at searching to find us the best rescue truck. That took a lot of time on his part. It took him quite a while to find a great vehicle.”
Toni recalled one specific Christmas Eve when Fischer Rescue Squad volunteers were called out to help in the search and rescue efforts for three kayakers. “They were out for 27 hours,” she explained. “We gathered up all of the food and coffee we could get our hands on and went to the scene to try to give the guys a little relief. I can’t say enough about these gentlemen. They volunteer 24/7. I’m very impressed with everything they do.”
The group strongly believes that volunteers who risk their lives while trying to save others deserve not only our respect but also our support.
The Friends of Fischer Rescue Squad held an unveiling ceremony at 5:30 PM on Saturday, July 27, 2019, and presented the brand new rescue truck to the Fischer Rescue Squad at the Rescue Squad building located at 1309 Fischer Road NE, in Fort Payne, followed by a dinner for Rescue Squad volunteers.
Friends of Fischer Rescue Squad is made up of the following volunteers: Suzy Conerly, Tena Cryer, Windy Freeman, Connie Green, Tootsie Hairel, Jessi Harriston, Ashley Howell, Brenda Johnson, June Leary, Gretta Mathcen, Susan Nove, Jeanie Sauerland, Amanda Taylor, Kayla Taylor, Yvonne Toombs, Erin Washington, Christy Wood, and Toni Mahoney.
If you would like to help Fischer Rescue Squa,d with a tax-deductible donation, you can do so by sending it to Friends of Fischer Rescue Squad, 146 Harley Drive NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967. “We are truly grateful for any support,” Toni said.