Chapter Sixteen in “Decades with the Squad,” by my late father, William Palmer Jervey, Jr. Vanity, vanity, all is vanity. The truth of this old saying was borne out in the episode of a simpleton literally racing the clock on his way from Powhatan to Richmond. An attractive young lady of Powhatan had the misfortune […]
Category: Decades with the Squad: My Father’s Memoirs
My father was a member of the Powhatan Rescue Squad from 1960 until about 2008. These stories are some that he chose to write down.
The Finger
Chapter Fifteen in “Decades with the Squad,” by my late father, William Palmer Jervey, Jr. In this day of modern surgery, the reattachment of severed members has become quite commonplace. This being the case, much attention is given to retrieving the severed part and its proper care on the way to the hospital. In all […]
The Flood
Chapter Fourteen in “Decades with the Squad,” by my late father, William Palmer Jervey, Jr. Firemen frequently rescue cats from trees and dogs who have gotten their heads stuck somewhere. Rescue squads are not ordinarily involved with animal rescue. The major exception to this, in my experience, was when we rescued a herd of cattle. […]
The Freeloader
Chapter Thirteen in “Decades with the Squad,” by my late father, William Palmer Jervey, Jr. The central figure in this one could be quite a few different people. Getting hooked into hauling someone to the hospital who doesn’t need an ambulance is an ever-present possibility. Under the law we are not required to respond to […]
The Dive
Chapter Twelve in “Decades with the Squad,” by my late father, William Palmer Jervey, Jr. An evident factor in this tragic episode is the emotional burden placed upon the rescuer when you must tend a patient who is somehow close to you. In this instance said burden was quite weighty due to the long-standing and […]
The Home
Chapter Eleven in “Decades with the Squad,” by my late father, William Palmer Jervey, Jr. Blogger’s note: The Muses are out getting their nails done, apparently, so I figured today is a good day to share something from my Pa, whom I credit as the source for both my writing and my acting chops. This […]
The Trip
Chapter Ten in “Decades with the Squad” by my late father, William Palmer Jervey, Jr. Blogger’s note: In filling in for my inconstant muse, I offer another story from my father’s book. This one, while ending happily, reminds me of a favorite quote, sort of a parent’s lament: When they’re little they’re on your […]
The Fire
Chapter Nine in “Decades with the Squad” by my late father, William Palmer Jervey, Jr. The home was a small frame house which was rapidly consumed by the flames. Indeed, so rapid and complete was the destruction that the fire chief became suspicious and called the arson investigator from the State Police. The fact that […]
The Stone
Chapter Eight in “Decades with the Squad” by my late father, William Palmer Jervey, Jr. This episode involved one who might be referred to as the Fastidious Gentlemen. On a scale of one to ten, he would surely be a nine. Believe it or not, he has on occasion involved himself in getting up hay. […]
The Horse
Chapter Seven in “Decades with the Squad” by William Palmer Jervey, Jr. This occurred at dusk. That dangerous time when headlights do little good and all colors blend into an ever-deepening shade of gray. There were three horses being ridden and were clustered close together when a large truck plowed through. Two horses were killed […]