Who We Are
Our Beginnings: A Vision of Service
In July of 1959, the Sevier County Volunteer Rescue Squad (SCVRS) was officially chartered by the State of Tennessee. But before that date, our founders spent countless hours gathering volunteers, securing a building, obtaining equipment, and organizing funding. Their work began with a simple but powerful purpose: to create a rescue team dedicated to the safety of Sevier County. Inspired by the popularity of Douglas Lake—a destination for fishing, boating, and swimming—they recognized the need for a specialized team to aid in emergencies on the water. Their legacy of dedication and preparedness lives on, marking the beginning of SCVRS’s unwavering commitment to our community.
Expanding to Meet Community Needs
Over the years, SCVRS has grown from a small rescue team focused on water safety to a multifaceted rescue organization meeting Sevier County’s diverse needs. Our services now include motor vehicle extrication, swift water rescue, high- and low-angle rope rescue, and confined space rescue. Every one of our specialized teams requires rigorous training and certification, ensuring that our members are prepared for the challenges of modern rescue scenarios. As Sevier County has grown, so have our capabilities, and we remain fully equipped to respond to a broad range of emergencies whenever and wherever they occur.
Serving Sevier County 24/7, 365 Days a Year
At SCVRS, we don’t just serve the community; we’re a part of it. Our team members are neighbors, friends, and family to those we serve, and our commitment goes beyond the clock. We stand ready to respond 24/7, 365 days a year, understanding that emergencies don’t wait for convenient hours. Being available around the clock isn’t just a part of our mission—it’s a promise we make to Sevier County. With every call, every rescue, and every life saved, we reaffirm our dedication to protect and serve this community as one of its own.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
Though we have grown and evolved, we continue to honor the legacy of our founding members. Their vision laid the foundation for an organization that would prioritize safety, service, and community above all else. Today, we carry forward that vision, committed to not only upholding their standards but exceeding them. SCVRS is a proud symbol of resilience, readiness, and community spirit in Sevier County, and we remain dedicated to protecting our home with the same dedication and pride that inspired our founders.
