The St. Louis County Sheriff's Volunteer Rescue Squad has provided rescue services and disaster relief within our county for 53 years.
The St. Louis County Volunteer Rescue Squad was founded on August 23, 1958, by three men: Fred Van Derwalker, Donald Isakson, and Roderick Appleby.
The unit they envisioned was one of volunteer private citizens, who, in their free time, would train extensively in various aspects of rescue work, searches, first aid, and accident prevention by public education.
On August 23, 1958, this group of men approached Sheriff Sam Owens with the idea of forming such a rescue unit for St. Louis County. They were informed by the County Attorney that state legislation was required to authorize the county to accept such a unit.
Officers and charter members of the Rescue Squad were:
- Captain Fred Van Derwalker
- 1st Lieutenant Harold “Bozo” Wilson
- 2nd Lieutenant Ryan Markfelt
- Sgt. Donald Isakson
- Sgt. Royal Adams
- Ken Slatten, Secretary
- Robert Lee, Treasurer
- James Rogers
- Harlin Behn
- Dave Coleman
- Marsh Slatten
- Rod Appleby
- James Helgemoe
- Gordon Bromme
- Robert Olson