A New Name, A Renewed Identity: The Story Behind Hoosick Regional EMS
For nearly seven decades, our organization proudly operated as the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, Inc. That name represents history, dedication, and generations of volunteers and providers who committed themselves to serving our community. Today, as Hoosick Regional EMS, we honor that legacy while stepping forward with a renewed identity that reflects who we are, and who we serve.
Where It All Began
Our roots date back to 1957, when the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad was officially founded. For one year prior to that, emergency medical services in our area were provided as part of the local fire department. As the need for dedicated emergency medical care grew, the decision was made to establish a separate rescue squad focused on delivering pre-hospital care and rescue services. For 68 years, we operated under the name Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, Inc., building a proud tradition of service, professionalism, and community commitment.
Clearing Up a Common Misunderstanding
Over the years, we’ve discovered a recurring misconception: many individuals believed we were a department of the Town of Hoosick. While we have always worked closely with the town and have received some town funding, we are not, and have never been, a municipal agency.
We are an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
That distinction is important. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on a combination of service revenue, grants, donations, and some municipal support to sustain our operations. We are governed independently and operate with our own leadership, policies, and financial responsibilities. We are not fully funded by the Town of Hoosick.
While our former name reflected our origins and the community where we were founded, it unintentionally contributed to confusion about our structure and funding.
Why Hoosick Regional EMS?
The creation of Hoosick Regional EMS represents more than just a name change—it reflects growth, clarity, and vision.
First, it establishes a clear and distinct brand identity. By removing “Town of” from our name, we eliminate confusion about our organizational structure and make it clear that we are an independent nonprofit EMS provider.
Second, the word “Regional” reflects the broader community we serve. Over time, our service area and partnerships have expanded beyond the Town of Hoosick. Our commitment is to the community and surrounding communities as a whole.
This new name better represents:
Who we are
How we operate
The communities we serve
Our future direction as a professional EMS organization
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
Our history remains a cornerstone of our identity. The dedication of those who built the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad in 1957 laid the foundation for everything we do today. That legacy continues in every response, every patient interaction, and every member of our team.
Hoosick Regional EMS is not a departure from our past; it is an evolution of it.
As healthcare and emergency services continue to grow more complex, having a strong, clear brand identity is essential. It allows us to better advocate for funding, pursue regional partnerships, apply for grants, recruit providers, and communicate effectively with the public.
Most importantly, it allows our community to understand exactly who we are: an independent, nonprofit EMS organization dedicated to serving the region with professionalism, compassion, and integrity.
Moving Forward Together
Change can be emotional, especially when it involves a name that has been part of the community for nearly 70 years. But this transition positions us for long-term sustainability and growth while preserving the mission that has guided us since 1957.
We remain committed to providing exceptional emergency medical services.
We remain committed to our community.
And we remain proud of the legacy that brought us here.
Welcome to Hoosick Regional EMS; built on history, driven by service, and focused on the future.