Oct 1977 - East Lincoln Rescue Squad was organized and approved as a 501c3 (non-profit) organization by the IRS.  The Rescue Squad began operations with one ambulance that had been retired from Lincolnton and 12 volunteers certified at Basic EMT Level.  The initial contact with the county and request to help establish this service was with help from the East Lincoln Betterment Association.

1977-1982 - ELRS operated out of a minimal facility located adjacent to Triangle Food Mart, purchased new ambulance and renovated a used truck for rescue work.  ELRS responded to all medical emergency calls in the East Lincoln Rescue District (East Lincoln, Denver, portion of Pumpkin Center and Alexis Fire Districts) encompassing 86 square miles.  Membership fluctuated between 20 & 30 certified EMT"s, all volunteers.  ELRS was supported entirely by donations from local community and fund raisers.  The policy of not requesting payment for services was initiated and continued through the squad existence.

1982 - ELRS purchased a 4 acre tract of land from a local citizen at current location on Hwy 16, just north of Triangle.  Build first phase of building consisting of 3 bays and meeting area.  Equipment included 2 certified ambulances and medium duty crash truck all purchased entirely with local donations.

1982-1989 - ELRS continued to provide first response to all medical emergencies and transport of all medical patients to local hospitals (Hickory, Mooresville, Charlotte and Lincolnton).   Call volume continued to increase each year requiring more equipment and training.  Membership reached highest levels in this period, maximum around 30.  Operating expenses, construction of building addition and expanded equipment continued to be completely funded by local donations and fund raisers.

1989 - Due to increased financial needs and increased demand, ELRS petitions Lincoln county for financial support and began receiving county supplement to help offset a small percentage of yearly operations cost. 

1991 - ELRS offered to donate land to Lincoln County adjacent to our current building to provide the location for county Emergency Medical Services "EMS" unit.  Due to increasing call volume, ELRS realized that the paid staff of EMS was needed to maintain the level of response East Lincoln County required.  From this point forward, ELRS responded as backup to EMS and continued to provide full range of medical emergency response, rescue services and standby for local events, including area high school sporting events and other community functions.