HEBRON —  David Whittier recently briefed the Hebron Historical Society on the history of the Hebron-Buckfield Rescue Unit.

Soon after his arrival in Hebron in 1970, Whittier recognized the absence of adequate medical response capability for local residents. After discussing the problem with Buckfield residents Richard Lacourse and Jerry Wiley, they investigated the requirements for establishing a support unit.

At that time, there was no mandated rescue training required for personnel. Whittier helped initiate a training program with Jay Woolsey so local personnel could assist in medical emergencies in both towns.

The “ambulance” used initially started from renovating an old army vehicle, but eventually more sophisticated and well equipped vehicles were created by the members of both towns. Communications evolved from a basic horn alarm initially to hand-held radios for on-duty personnel.

A duty roster was established to ensure that competent personnel was always available for emergency calls. The Hebron Rescue responded to as many as 120 calls a year and became a separate unit in 1985, being an asset to the town until it disbanded in 1991.

The program for the Tuesday, Aug. 27, meeting will be presented by Dr. Fred B. Jordan of Poland, describing the 1995 Oklahoma City Murrah Federal Building bombing.

Jordan was the chief medical examiner Oklahoma at the time of the bombing. He is now a deputy chief medical examiner for Maine and an associate in the evidence response team of the State Police Major Crimes Unit.

The program will be held at the Hebron Town Office and follow a short meeting beginning at 7 p.m. The public is invited. Refreshments will be served.