The Tamaqua Rescue Squad (TRS) is in the process of mailing out its annual fund drive brochures requesting donations. "In the past, our operating expenses have been covered by donations as well as fundraisers run by our membership," said squad secretary and director Robert J. 'Bucky' Derr.

He said, "Rising operational costs are beginning to make it more difficult to meet our needs. Therefore, we are reaching out to our community for assistance."Operating separate from the Tamaqua Fire Department and Tamaqua Ambulance Association, the TRS does not receive any funds designated for those organizations."Additionally, we are one of the only independent volunteer services of our type in the state," added Derr.The TRS responds to approximately 120 calls per year and does not bill anyone for their services."Your support is crucial to help us in funding basic operating costs, member training and the purchase and repair of vital life-saving equipment that allow us to do our job safely and effectively," said TRS Chief Bobby Derr. "The communities generous response to this fund drive will help us to maintain a constant state of readiness and to provide our volunteer services to the community."In addition, the TRS welcomes anyone interested in membership to stop by the station at 19 Pine Street any Thursday evening to see what they do."We will be glad to show anyone around and discuss how anyone can help to make our organization stronger," said Bobby Derr. "In addition to emergency response, we can use help with administration duties, fundraising, maintenance and so on.""As we struggle to maintain high-quality rescue services for the entire community, know that our success depends upon the community's support," said Robert J. Derr, who added that they can be reached by calling (570) 225-1171.Donations, made out to 'Tamaqua Rescue Squad', can be mailed to 19 Pine Street, Tamaqua PA 18252.