Spread the love

Charter member of Tar Heel Rescue Squad honored

By Erin Smith

Gladwin “Bo” Priest, Chief of the Tar Heel Rescue Squad, was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine during the rescue squad’s meeting Thursday night.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” said Priest.

He explained the rescue squad was conducting a meeting when a member said there was a special speaker planned for the evening. Priest said he was not aware of any plans for a special speaker and he wondered who the speaker was and about the topic.

Priest said Rep. William Brisson walked in and he thanked the members of the rescue squad who were present for their service. Priest said then Rep. Brisson produced a black folder with the state seal on it and began to talk about the person.

Priest said when Rep. Brisson mentioned 42 years of service to the community Priest realized who it was that was being recognized—himself.

“I was wondering who it was that put me up for such an honor,” said Priest.

He added the only person he could think of that would nominate him for such an honor is his good friend, Leon Martin. Priest was very humble in talking about the recognition.

“I’m overwhelmed a little bit. There are a lot of people that visit rest homes, serve meals on wheels, and they get no recognition,” said Priest. “I feel unworthy.”

Priest said he volunteers with the rescue squad because he loves the Tar Heel community.

“I enjoy working with the young people of the county,” said Priest.

He shared some history regarding the founding of the Tar Heel Rescue Squad. Priest said the Tar Heel Rescue Squad was charted in 1977 following an tragic crash at Tar Heel School. Priest said a young man was struck by a logging truck as he turned into the school. He said several people stayed with the crash victim while they waited for an ambulance to come from Elizabethtown. Priest said the crash victim died from his injuries and it prompted the community to decide to start a volunteer rescue squad.

Priest said the group of volunteers got together and completed the EMT class and in 1977 Kelly Rescue gave Tar Heel their first ambulance—a 1960 Pontiac which was a former military vehicle. Priest said the group managed to purchase a 1978 Chevrolet and utilized it for two years.

He said eventually the county added paid rescue squad service around 1994-95.

“We handle calls in Tar Heel at night until midnight,” said Priest. The rest of the time the county’s paid EMS runs calls.

Skylar August, local resident, said, “He is a hardworking and dedicated member of Tar Heel Rescue.”

August added with her congratulations toward Priest, “He is a thoughtful and loving person and we are proud to have him as our Chief.”

Priest said it is time to “cut back” on his time volunteering and to step back and let the younger members have a larger role.