The Story of Company 7
Company 7 proudly provides Rappahannock County residents and visitors with emergency medical services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Company 7 serves the most rural and rugged area of Rappahannock County. Our “First Due” or primary service area is from Nethers to the Shenandoah National Park and from Boston to Gid Brown Hollow. It includes the treacherous stretch of Rt. 211 that climbs to the entrance of the Shenandoah National Park at Thornton Gap, three primary highways, many miles of dirt roads in remote hollows and expansive farmland. Motor vehicle accidents, farm accidents, sporting accidents and traumatic falls are common. Additionally we often are dispatched for serious illnesses when every minute is critical.
Company 7’s first due is the largest in Rappahannock County covering 105 square miles and about 1,650 people. Although we have more people in our first due than any other company, the population density is the lowest in Rappahannock County.
In 2023, Company 7 responded to 100% of the 517 calls it received. We were out the door in under five minutes and on scene in under eighteen minutes for almost all the calls. This is a remarkable record. We are thriving in an era when many volunteer emergency services are struggling. This is a testament to the steadfast dedication and enthusiasm of the members of Company 7.
All calls from “life or death” emergencies to public service calls, require a highly trained Medic, life-saving technology and the proper equipment delivered safely and quickly to the scene in a mobile unit. It is impossible to know what may be needed on any specific call, therefore the ambulance must be stocked for almost every eventuality.
Company 7 was founded in 1969 in the old VFW Hall by the bridge on Main Street in Sperryville. In those days the dispatch system was a loud siren mounted on the roof. When the sire went off, volunteers from the village and surrounding farms would rush to the station and respond to the emergency.
Since then, the old VFW Hall has been remodeled and expanded several times and now houses two ambulances, two quick response vehicles a bright workroom with highspeed internet for volunteers and a large meeting room with audio and video technology for meetings and remote participation. Despite the modern electronics and enhancements, the station still retains much of the charm and character of an early 1900’s village edifice. Click here for more about the history of Company 7.
Company 7 wants your help!
Click here for an application for membership.