THEDFORD — The Thedford Volunteer Rescue Squad (TVRS) has added a new, state-of-the-art ambulance to its fleet, expanding emergency medical capabilities across a 1,700-square-mile service area in the Nebraska Sandhills.
The $295,000 vehicle was purchased without the use of local tax dollars, thanks to a two-year effort that combined grant funding, community donations, fundraising events, and volunteer work. TVRS serves the Thedford, Halsey, and Purdum fire districts; the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey; and the communities of Thedford, Seneca, Brownlee, and Halsey.
The upgrade replaces ambulances that were 24 and 18 years old. As an Advanced Life Support service since 2010—and a provider of emergency care for more than five decades—TVRS identified the need for a modern unit to continue delivering timely, high-quality patient care.
Over the course of the project, TVRS applied for 12 grants and secured nine awards totaling $175,300. Another $53,000 came from donations, $27,903 from fundraising activities, and $38,142 from EMS billing savings.
“This new ambulance is a testament to the incredible dedication of our volunteers and the unwavering support of our community and grant partners,” Rescue Captain Loren Eaton said. “It’s truly a team achievement, allowing us to continue providing critical, life-saving care with the most up-to-date equipment, all without burdening local taxpayers.”
Grant funding came from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (ARPA), Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation (Childers Fund), Farm Credit Services of America, Thomas County Area Foundation, Sterns Charitable Foundation, BNSF Railway Foundation, Cherry County Hospital Foundation, Sandhills Area Foundation, and KBR Operation Round-Up Fund.
