History of the Squad

In 1951 a group of concerned citizens met to discuss the need for ambulance transportation and first aid care for the community. The group consisted of members of the Ballston Lake Fire Department and the auxiliary. In July of 1951 they organized the Ballston Lake Emergency Squad, Inc. A second-hand 1939 LaSalle (pictured to the left) was the Squad's first vehicle. They answered two calls that year.

In 1953 the squad found the need for service growing, so they extended membership to cover the fire districts of Burnt Hills, Jonesville, and Charlton. In 1956 the squad moved up to a 1948 Packard and in 1958 they were able to buy their first new ambulance, an S&S Cadillac. In 1970 an ultra-modern Cadillac was purchased and in 1972 the first van-type ambulance went into service. As the number of calls increased, the need for a second ambulance became apparent. In 1975 another van-type ambulance was purchased. At present, the Squad runs three modular ambulances on van chassis', and one first response vehicle.     

In 1954 the Squad built its own garage on land donated by Baxter's Funeral Home. In 1972 an addition was added and land adjacent on each side of the building was purchased. In 1995 a new 6500 square foot building was built adjacent to the Ballston Lake Fire Department. The upstairs of the building was completed in 1996 and converted to squad bunk rooms. An Open House program in April, 1996 to show off the new station and thank the community featured a CPR demonstration, child fingerprinting sponsored by the New York State Police, a blood pressure clinic, and even a demonstration landing by the Albany Medical Center helicopter.

The Squad, in its history of service to the community, has maintained cutting edge equipment and training equal to or exceeding regional, state, and federal standards.

We are proud to be an all volunteer agency providing paramedic service, the highest level of pre-hospital care available anywhere.