Hunton Life Saving and First Aid Crew

K-83

Alexander A. Terrell organized the Hunton Life Saving and First Aid Crew in Dec. 1941, shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The crew, reputed to have been the first all-black volunteer rescue squad in the United States, was originally headquartered here in the William A. Hunton Branch YMCA. On call 24 hours a day, members responded to medical emergencies using their own vehicles before they acquired an ambulance. The crew also provided safety and first-aid training in the community. In March 1956, the Women's Auxiliary of Hunton Life Saving was organized. The crew moved to new headquarters several blocks northwest of here in 1964 and suspended operations in July 1987.

Department of Historic Resources, 2019

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References/Bibliographic Citation:

Roanoke Times, 8 July 1956, 14 Jan. 1958, 6 Jan. 1959, 31 July 1960, 20 July 1982, 10 Nov. 1983, 22 Sept. 1997, 6 May 2000. Roanoke Tribune, 25 Sept. 1954, 31 March 1956, 11 May 1957. Norfolk Journal and Guide, 10 Jan., 7 Feb., 15 Aug. 1942, 22 Jan. 1949, 26 Jan. 1952, 10 Jan., 19 April, 8 July, 26 Aug. 1956, 31 July 1960. Richmond Times Dispatch, 30 Sept. 1984. Philadelphia Tribune, 2 June 1992. “Hunton Life Saving and First Aid Crew” exhibit panel, Harrison Museum of African American Culture, Roanoke Jack Kelly, “Rescue Squad,” American Heritage Magazine, May/June 1996. Reginald Shareef, The Roanoke Valley’s African American Heritage (Virginia Beach: Donning Company, 1996).