North Myrtle Beach, December 11, 2025
News Summary
The North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad held its annual Christmas Holiday Banquet and Awards Ceremony, celebrating 67 years of community service. The event recognized the outstanding dedication of squad members who contribute to life-saving efforts with over 2,000 volunteer hours, EMS call awards, and lifetime memberships. It was a night filled with gratitude and camaraderie, highlighting the spirit of volunteerism within the community.
Celebrating Service in North Myrtle Beach
On a delightful evening that sparkled with community spirit, the North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad hosted its annual Christmas Holiday Banquet and Awards Ceremony. This festive gathering took place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at The Bay Watch Resort, marking a significant milestone—67 years of unwavering community service.
A Grateful Community
As the event unfolded, Chief Gary Clark took a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to every squad member for their tireless dedication. The North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad plays a crucial role in the community, having volunteered an impressive over 2,000 hours teaching essential life-saving skills like CPR, AED, BLS, and water rescue techniques. The squad also proudly provides free Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance services, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike.
Growing Together
Reflecting on its growth, the squad has now expanded to include over 70 dedicated members. Each member contributes to the North Myrtle Beach community in profound ways, responding to emergencies at any hour.
A Night of Recognition
During the ceremony, numerous awards were handed out, highlighting the exceptional contributions and achievements of squad members. The Outstanding Service Award went to Polly Lowman, editor and publisher of the North Myrtle Beach Times and Loris Times, and Justin Nelson, owner of Gone Coastal North Golf Carts. Their supports extend beyond the uniform and have made a significant impact on the community.
For those who answered over 100 calls, achievement awards were given to Allison McCarty, Greg Richardson, and Mike Waugh. Those who achieved over 250 calls included Chief Gary Clark, Daniel McGinnis, and Captain Richard Sander. The standout of the night, Mike Baker, was honored with an achievement award for responding to over 500 calls. Meanwhile, Randy Gardner received an award for an astounding 1,000 calls.
Recognizing Excellence
The night also celebrated collaborative efforts in emergency response. The EMS Call of the Year award recognized Chief Gary Clark, Randy Gardner, Taylor LaMonica, and Captain Richard Sander for their outstanding teamwork. Meanwhile, the Water Rescue Call of the Year award went to Mike Baker, Lance Barnes, Dennis Cassar, Chief Gary Clark, Randy Gardner, Larry Groelinger, Christian Lara, Ryan Sigsworth, and Mike Waugh, showcasing their heroism and dedication during critical situations.
Lifetime Membership Honors
In a heartwarming tribute, lifetime membership awards were presented to ten members: Pat Abner, Katie DeAngelo, John Foster, Randy Gardner, Mike Heiser, Christian Lara, Julie Phillips, Chris Price, Brooks Prince, and John Wylie. This recognition reflects their enduring commitment and service to the squad and the North Myrtle Beach community.
Member of the Year
As the ceremony drew to a close, the coveted title of Member of the Year was awarded to Mike Waugh, a well-deserved honor recognizing his exceptional contributions.
The evening was not just about awards; it was a celebration of community, courage, and camaraderie, reminding everyone present that the spirit of volunteerism thrives in North Myrtle Beach. As the squad continues its mission, the heartwarming stories of every member will undoubtedly keep the community safe and united.
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Additional Resources
- North Myrtle Beach Times
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: North Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
