VIDEO: In small towns across Virginia, volunteer rescue squads are often the ones answering the call when neighbors need help the most.
But on Friday, it was the Newport Volunteer Rescue Squadโs turn to be on the receiving end of that same generosity.
What started as a routine meeting quickly turned into a life-changing moment when Mountain Lake Lodge and the Mary Moody Northern Endowment Fund surprised the squad with a $71,600 donationโฆthe exact amount needed to finish paying for a brand-new ambulance expected to arrive in December 2026.
โThis was such a surprise,โ said Captain Ted Harris with the Newport Volunteer Rescue Squad. โRight now, Iโm golden, thanks to them. They donโt have a clue what theyโve done for this community.โ
The new vehicle will replace one of two ambulances that are each more than 20 years old. Harris said the cost of a new ambulance has climbed to more than $360,000, and the squad was still trying to raise nearly $90,000 to meet its portion of a state grant.
