Smyrna's Legion ambulance celebrating a century

SMYRNA — This year’s birthday for American Legion Ambulance Station 64 comes with a bit more significance.

The nonprofit is celebrating its 100th year serving the community, and that’s worth a lot.

To director Bradley Gosch, a century of service brings “pride in helping the community and trying to be a leader in the community and at the forefront of being a staple that is a shining beacon of light that, if anyone needs us, we’re there.”

The agency provides “far more than ambulance service” — for example, Mr. Gosch pointed to a training division for prospective emergency medical technicians.

And there’s an increasing amount of community aid provided, spokesperson Aimee DeBenedictis said. The station responded to around 5,000 calls last year, compared to about 2,400 in 2008. It’s a number that continues to rise steadily.

She said the station is well equipped to meet that demand, though.

“The vibe here is wonderful,” she said. “People come here specifically to train. They seek us out. I think that speaks volumes for the organization, the leadership, and that the station holds true to its original values.”

The founding members were 18 World War I veterans, and “the fact that we’ve continued with our volunteerism for 100 years and added full-time staff just to keep up with serving the community is, I think, amazing,” Ms. DeBenedictis added.

The current staff includes 38 full- or part-time employees and 48 volunteers, Mr. Gosch said.

“We’re well known as a family organization that not only cares about the community but cares about the people we bring through it to get into the service,” he said.

The station, found at 900 Smyrna Clayton Blvd., has a litany of events planned, including:

• July 23 — “Paint With 64!” at the Smyrna Diner at 5 p.m. An RSVP is required.
• July 24 — Information night at the station at 6:30 p.m. An RSVP is required.
• Sept. 14 — 100th anniversary parade at Commerce and Main streets at 10 a.m. Interested participants should email bradley.gosch@ambulance64.org no later than Sept. 1.
• Sept. 14 — community gathering at Smyrna Middle School at noon. Crafters, artisans, food trucks and nonprofits are sought.

Station 64 will also offer CPR/defibrillator training for medical and nonmedical professionals in July, August and October. For information, email cprtraining@ambulance64.org.

For details on events, email aimee.debenedictis@ambulance64.org or visit the facility’s Facebook page or ambulance64.com .