By Greg Jordan
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — Many veterans across the Bluefield area will know that they are being honored when a new ambulance recognizing their service passes them on the roadways or answers the call when they are in need.
The Bluefield Rescue Squad unveiled the new ambulance Wednesday featuring a paint scheme that makes it a rolling tribute to the men and women who have served and continue to serve their country.
“It’s dedicated to veterans,” said Administrator Sean Cantrell. “We decided to show our gratitude for the veterans, the ones who have served and the ones who are serving.”
Internet searches were conducted to find the right images and paint schemes for the veterans ambulance.
“We started Googling different designs that people have done before and try to make it our own and we came up with this,” Cantrell said. “It will be inspected by the state EMS Office on Aug. 27 and then we’ll put it in service in rotation. It will be used daily.”
GOPromo Print & Graphics in Springville, Va. worked on the ambulance for 10 days before it was returned to the rescue squad. It was driven in public for the first time Wednesday when it was taken to the Bluefield Emergency Department.
“So far, it hasn’t even been out in the public,” Cantrell said. “This is the first time it’s been out of the garage. It means a lot to us to show our support. They deserve it.”
The emergency department’s staff admired the new ambulance as well as the medical personnel who will be using it daily.
“I love it. I think it turned out great,” said Chief Tracey Wright with the rescue squad. “We just want to honor them.”
The new veterans ambulance is not the only one with a special paint scheme for a special cause. In October last year, the Bluefield Rescue Squad unveiled a pink ambulance for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“We still run it, too,” Cantrell said.
Besides being used to answer emergencies, the new veterans ambulance will be available for special events.
“If veterans want to schedule an event, the rescue squad would be happy to bring the ambulance honoring them, and demo it for them and display it,” Cantrell said. “Whatever they would like. If we can work it into our schedule, we would be more than glad to do it.”
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