Photo Credit: Carol Barker Wyatt, Lake Anna Photography

In the heart of Virginia, Lake Anna Rescue, Inc. (LARI) is celebrating a significant milestone – 25 years of dedicated service to the community. Founded on December 1, 1998, by Kenny Bennett, Dwayne Clemons, Peggy Rupp, Larry Chesley, and Dan Racette, LARI emerged in response to the pressing need for emergency medical rescue services in the area.

The staggering number of 2,789 emergency calls in Louisa County last year underscores the critical role of emergency medical services in ensuring the health and safety of our community.

The high volume of calls not only highlights the demand for immediate medical assistance in Louisa County but also underscores the tireless efforts of organizations like Lake Anna Rescue, Inc. (LARI) in responding to these emergencies. The dedication of LARI’s volunteers and the vital role they play in providing prehospital emergency medical care becomes even more evident when considering the sheer number of incidents they respond to annually.

In a county where the need for emergency medical services is significant, every call represents a moment where skilled and compassionate responders make a difference in someone’s life. It underscores the importance of ongoing community support, including fundraising efforts like the current campaign to acquire a new rescue boat, to ensure that organizations like LARI have the resources needed to continue their life-saving work.

As the community reflects on the challenges and successes of the past year, the commitment to enhancing emergency medical services remains crucial. The 2,789 calls are a powerful reminder of the community’s reliance on these services and the continued need for support to ensure that responders have the tools and equipment necessary to meet the demands of a growing and dynamic population.

A Humble Beginning: From Horse Barn to Community Hub

In its infancy, LARI found its home in an old horse barn, equipped with only one ambulance. The Bumpass Little River Baptist Church generously provided space for meetings, fostering the initial growth of the organization. The demand for emergency services quickly outpaced resources, prompting the community to rally behind LARI, donating funds and offering volunteer support.

Recognizing the need for expansion, plans were set in motion for a new facility. With donated land and community-driven efforts, construction commenced in 2000. By LARI’s third birthday on December 1, 2001, a state-of-the-art facility stood proudly, featuring a day room, bunk rooms, a commercial kitchen, and a community space for training and events. The bay housed a growing fleet, including two ambulances, one chase car, and a boat for water rescue and dive operations.

The Present: A Growing Team and Evolving Challenges

Today, LARI boasts around 50 active members, with approximately two dozen certified EMTs and ambulance drivers. Recognizing the increasing demand for their services, LARI is actively recruiting more volunteers, including administrative members and those interested in fundraising and social activities. In response to the community’s changing demographics, a Junior rescue squad has also been introduced.

Spanning 514 square miles with Louisa’s population exceeding 40,000, LARI’s vital role in the community became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency calls surged by 12%, mirroring a 13.4% increase in the local population as more individuals chose Lake Anna as their full-time residence.

Troy Dillard, the current president, reflects on the organization’s pre-New Bridge era, emphasizing the critical need in the Bumpass area, where healthcare options are limited due to its rural nature. The Dillard family, 100% volunteers themselves, responded to the call where it was most needed.

The Call to Action: Join the LARI Team Today

LARI’s mission is clear: to deliver high-quality prehospital emergency medical care and related services to anyone in need. As a non-stock, nonprofit corporation, LARI operates solely for emergency, scientific, educational, religious, and charitable purposes.

In the southeastern part of Louisa County, the need is particularly pronounced, as it is more rural. The Bumpass Fire Department and Louisa Rescue Center, both 100% volunteer-driven, rely on organizations like LARI to ensure timely assistance.

As Troy Dillard aptly puts it, “Right now, if someone near us calls for help, we are their best chance at getting help when they need it.”

How You Can Contribute: A Community United

On this 25th anniversary, Lake Anna Rescue invites individuals to join their ranks. Whether as a certified EMT, ambulance driver, administrative member, or supporter of their fundraising initiatives, your contribution can make a significant impact. By becoming part of LARI, you become a crucial lifeline for the community, ensuring that help arrives swiftly when it’s needed most.

Learn more about Lake Anna Rescue, Inc, or learn more about how to help or make a donation by going to the LARI website here.

Jen Bailey

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