by Susan Slater
Travelers Rest is home to its own Fire Rescue Volunteer-supported station that plays a vital role in the resort and local Pasco County Fire Rescue. Trained volunteers, like Linda McLean, a retired respiratory therapist, will respond quickly to emergencies, support wellness efforts and collect medical equipment for people in need. The station began in the 1970s, previously affiliated with the sheriff’s office according to Retired Chief Dick Gutridge. Monthly business meetings help volunteers stay current on training, notices, and station business.
Volunteers are the first on the scene to stabilize a person before Pasco County Fire Rescue arrives to continue care and transport. Volunteers respond to a wide range of calls, including falls, heart-related emergencies, deaths, and other urgent situations. Station 33 uses a siren system with different tones for emergency and non-emergency calls to alert volunteers and is tested every Tuesday at 9 a.m. The station has a main truck and a first aid vehicle. The resort also has a helipad area on the golf course for medical transport flights.
Station 33 includes chaplain support by Chaplain Anthony Shipe who offers comfort to families during crises, assistance on medical calls, and spiritual care during trauma/emergencies in Station 27 and 36 in Pasco County. The Vial of Life program has residents placing medical history, medication lists, and emergency contacts in a medicine bottle on the refrigerator door so responders quickly access critical details. Volunteers also assist at county events, such as Pasco County Fair medical tent. Fundraising efforts throughout the year support the station’s efforts. They have included purchasing take-out box lunches, pulled pork meals and strawberry shortcake.
Travelers Rest has a private golf course, pavilions for barbecuing, a Veteran Memorial, and Busch Hall, which includes a library, laundry area, workout facility and water waste treatment plant. The story of Travelers Rest RV Resort reflects a strong culture of service, preparedness, and neighbors helping neighbors.♥
