Our story
Forty-Three Years of Neighbors Helping Neighbors
BSRS was built by the community it serves, and has adapted every decade since. This is where we came from, what we do today, and what we're proud of.
How we started
From Tragedy, a Lasting Legacy
In April of 1983, the close-knit community of Baywood faced a heart-wrenching tragedy. A cherished neighbor, friend, and family member was lost, leaving a profound void in the hearts of many.
In the face of sorrow, the community came together with unwavering love and support. With determination and compassion, they tirelessly searched for their beloved, demonstrating the incredible strength of their unity.
The overwhelming response from locals highlighted the deep need for a dedicated search and rescue team. From this moment of shared grief, Baywood Search and Rescue was born — transforming tragedy into a lasting legacy of hope and service.
Four decades of service
A Squad That Adapts as the Community Changes
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1983
Baywood Rescue Division Born From Tragedy
In April of 1983, Baywood lost a beloved neighbor. Out of that shared grief, Independence Rescue Squad chartered a new Baywood Rescue Division to serve our corner of Grayson County.
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1984
Ground Broken on the Baywood Main Station
Volunteers and neighbors broke ground on a permanent home for the squad — what would become 47 Cross Roads Dr.
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1988
First Full Year of Records
By the end of our first fully tracked year: 89 calls, 1,885 miles, and 1,398 man-hours.
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Jan 25, 1989
Our First Licensed Ambulance Enters Service
Purchased from IVRS for $5,600 and equipped for another $2,000 — the first BSRS-licensed transport unit on the road.
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1989
Hurricane Hugo Response
BSRS deployed to the Hurricane Hugo response. Year-end totals: 12 searches, 29 ambulance calls, 1,176 miles, 1,065 man-hours.
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1990
A Year of Growth
60 calls, 1,547 miles, and 576 man-hours as the squad continued to expand its capabilities.
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1999
Medic 121 Enters Service
A 1998 Ford E350 — our longest-running unit, with 26 years of service before retirement in 2025.
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2006
First Poker Ride
Held in memory of Allison Shaw and Chris Bumgardner — a community fundraiser that continues to this day.
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2007
Equipment Building Groundbreaking
A new building on the property to house boats and search-and-rescue equipment.
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2024
Tropical Storm Helene Response
Squad members deployed alongside neighbors and partner agencies to support communities hit by Tropical Storm Helene.
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2025
Medic 125 Placed in Service
Funded by a Virginia RSAF grant and Grayson County — approximately $383,000 for the unit and another $100,000 to equip it. Until Medic 125 arrived, BSRS ran the oldest ambulances in Grayson County.
Want to Be Part of the Next Chapter?
Whether you're certified and ready to respond, or simply want to support the squad that shows up for this community, there's a place for you.