Station 17 · Hamilton, Virginia
Our History
Hamilton’s rescue roots reach back more than seventy years — to a single station wagon, a handful of volunteers, and a community that decided no one nearby should wait alone for help.
1952
Twelve volunteers from across the county start the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad — the county’s first rescue service — running calls out of a donated station wagon. Units are based in Purcellville, Hamilton, and Leesburg while local squads take shape. This is where Hamilton’s rescue service begins.
1979
The Hamilton rescue unit incorporates on its own as the Hamilton Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. (May 8, Virginia SCC), a 501(c)(3) organized to serve Hamilton, Waterford, and Paeonian Springs.
2000–2006
The Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department and HVRS jointly purchase 10 acres east of town (2000) and, after site-plan and financing delays, complete a shared, state-of-the-art facility — the Hamilton Public Safety Center — housing both companies as Station 5 (fire) and Station 17 (rescue). The nonprofit Hamilton Safety Center, Inc. is established (tax-exempt since 2002) to own and operate the building.
Today
HVRS remains proudly all-volunteer — 40+ members with day jobs, families, and a shared calling — staffed 24/7 alongside Loudoun County Fire & Rescue career personnel, running BLS, ALS, and technical rescue calls across Hamilton and the surrounding villages.
70+
Years of Service
100%
Volunteer
35.1
Sq. Mi. First-Due
Sources: Hamilton Volunteer Rescue Squad historical records; Loudoun County official website; Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad history; ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer; HVRS original 1979 Virginia SCC incorporation filing.
Want to Be Part of the Next Chapter?
HVRS is 100% volunteer — no EMS experience required to join. Come find out how you can help continue this story.