Emergency Medical Services (EMS) representatives, with family members and friends, enjoyed a hearty meal and each others company during a cookout at the Charlotte County Rescue Squad Saturday. The cookout is meant to celebrate EMS Appreciation Week, a national event which took place May 20-26. Rescue Squad Captain Bill Mayhew estimates there are between 35 and 36 active and inactive career and volunteer members of the squad, which has its main station in Phenix and satellite stations in Keysville and Wylliesburg. The squad has been in operation for 47 years, Mayhew said, beginning in February of 1971. Mayhew said between January and December of 2017, the squad responded to 1,883 calls. He promises a large bash for the squad’s 50th year. Pictured are Larry Newcomb and his mother Maria Newcomb.