1976A tragedy in the Fox Chapel Borough is a catalyst for exploring the creation of an Emergency Medical Service in the area. 1976 to 1978 Meetings are held to try to create a regional EMS service among the Fox Chapel Area municipalities. Indiana, Sharpsburg, O'Hara and Blawnox all had some form of ambulance service affiliated with their volunteer fire departments. Ultimately, Fox Chapel and Aspinwall were the two municipalities that remained - and Foxwall was born. Blawnox would join Foxwall in 1988. Summer of 1978A steering and fundraising committee is formed to formally launch Foxwall EMS. This group of people will become the first Board of Directors. Fall of 1978Two classes of about 35 people each are trained to become Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) specifically for Foxwall. By-laws are developed and a 501c3 organization is formed. March 10, 1979Foxwall EMS begins operations with about 70 volunteers and an ambulance on loan. Foxwall takes its first call for chest pain and shortness of breath on Field Club Road. 1979-1981Rick Duffy serves as Chief of Operations. The original Foxwall location is beneath what was then the Fox Chapel police station in one of the municipal public works garages that was shared with a salt truck. The facility includes a borrowed van ambulance and a small room with a desk, typewriter, radio system, daybed, chair and a television. February 1, 1981A new building for Foxwall EMS is dedicated. The building is located next to the Fox Chapel Borough Building and was built for about $150,000. The Funds came from members of the community and a 10-year two percent loan from the State of Pennsylvania Emergency Management, Office of the Fire Marshall. 1987Foxwall EMS hires its first manager, a law student, John C. Lakatose. 1988Rick Duffy returns to Foxwall EMS and resumes roll as volunteer Chief of Operations. 1990Foxwall establishes third party billing for insurance reimbursements. 1992-1995EMS services in the region (Indiana, Sharpsburg, Etna, O'Hara, Fox Chapel, Aspinwall and Blawnox) attempt to merge - creating one system called Squaw Valley Regional EMS. Resources are shared to provide coverage as a single entity. The effort was successful but short-lived. All participating entities became paid services - with only Foxwall remaining volunteer. February, 1999Foxwall hires Gordon Fisher IV as Operations Administrator. He provides paramedical response and recruits, assimilates and retains new volunteers. Early 2000'sFoxwall increases overall public awareness with new outreach and volunteer materials and new public programs such as CPR and First Aid training, flue shots, and general health awareness for members of the community. April, 2004Discussions begin in earnest with Fox Chapel Borough to relocated Foxwall to make way for a new community library. 2005Plans are submitted and rejected to renovate the existing property at 145 Squaw Run Road. In November of 2005, plans to build a stand-alone facility to serve as the new headquarters for Foxwall are submitted and approved. May, 2006Ground is broken for th enew Foxwall headquarters building. August, 2007The new building is completed.
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