It’s been 50 years since Suttontown Emergency Medical Services (EMS) first opened its doors and crews began helping those within the community, and that assistance just keeps on coming, thanks to those who have dedicated their time and energy to being a part of the local squad.
On Sunday, the volunteer EMS department team held an open house celebration at its station commemorating five decades in service. Suttontown EMS was founded in 1976, and has had a long list of members who joined throughout the years.
“Serving the community and doing everything we can to help our fellow man, that’s what it’s all about,” Suttontown EMS Chief Bradley Jackson said during the Sunday afternoon celebration. “It’s mind blowing. I was born in 1983, so I’ve been here for 43 years of it, in general, but I’ve been a member (of Suttontown EMS) for 27 years. I’ve been around it for a long time, and I’ve seen a lot of changes. It makes you feel good to see there’s still people out here that want to do it as a volunteer and keep helping everybody.”
Of those changes, Jackson highlighted the origins of what the EMS did compared to what they’re able to do now in terms of assisting the community.
“We started out at a basic level,” he explained. “You give people oxygen, give them a fast ride to the hospital … to now, (there’s) advanced life support, start an IV, medications and other treatments on scene so you don’t have to take them to the hospital necessarily. There’s just been advancements in medicine, it’s amazing.”
Jackson credited his community and articulated what it means for him to serve those that need EMS services for over 20 years.
“They pretty much raised me,” he said of the community. “What a lot of folks don’t know about me is I’m totally blind in my right eye. The community, Sheriff’s Department and this department actually raised money for me when I was younger to get me a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) so I could read my books in school to help get my education. That enabled me to be here to help everybody. So for us to continue to be here, to be able to provide service to the community, there’s no better feeling.”
There are numerous volunteer members of the Suttontown EMS, running the gamut in age, young to the young at heart.
“We’re a big family; we have a good time with each other and we cut up,” Jackson attested. “But when it’s time to be serious, we do what we need to do.”
And the group works hand-in-hand, the chief stressed.
“We always rely on each other and take care of it. Watching the younger people grow, we’ve got folks that have started here that have gone off to other agencies. I just spoke with one of our members not too long ago. He started medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the last couple of months. Our reach goes far and wide. On the flip side of that, we’ve got a young girl from North Carolina State that just turned 18 and got her Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. She’s coming here this summer to be able to ride and get experience and everything. It’s good to get that broad spectrum of seeing people from the start, to all the way through until they retire, whether it be with a paid system or volunteer system. Some of those folks, they’re still here supporting us.”
During the celebration, there was a dedicated memorial for those who served on the EMS staff who had passed away. Individual candles were lit by family members, friends, or members of the EMS, as the name or photo of a former member appeared on a projection screen in front of the audience. A proclamation of appreciation from the North Carolina Association of Rescue and EMS (NCAR&EMS) Commander Josh Shumate was read by Executive Director Joel Faircloth.
“The Suttontown EMS was founded 50 years ago through dedication, vision, and the service driven spirit of volunteers committed to protecting the lives, health and safety of the citizens of Suttontown and surrounding communities,” Faircloth noted in his presentation. “Since its establishment in 1976, Suttontown EMS has stood as a steadfast pillar of emergency medical response, rescue operations, disaster support, and community service, answering thousands of calls with professionalism, courage and compassion. Generations of squad members, past and present have devoted countless hours to training, readiness, emergency operations and public education to ensure that the squad remains prepared to respond at a moment’s notice.”
Faircloth went on to emphasize that the department’s 50th anniversary marked “not only a milestone of years, but a celebration of legacy of teamwork, bravery, resilience and service that continues to define the department’s impact on the region.”
“I extend heartfelt appreciation to all members past, present, and future for their outstanding, service, sacrifice and commitment to the community,” he continued. “Be it resolved that this proclamation is presented on this day, April 12, 2026 as a symbol of honor, gratitude and support for the vital mission of Suttontown EMS.”