CRS was founded in September of 1955 after a building collapse in Hagerstown.  This event left the victims without an expedient way to the Hospital.  At that time, Hagerstown residents depended on police paddy wagons and funeral directors to transport sick and injured to the hospital.  Seventeen original volunteers started the service from the old Middlekauff Garage with an ambulance and donated equipment.

     In 1958, CRS moved to the 511 East Franklin Street Station.  Service in the early 1960's consisted of first-aid and civil defense rescue training.  Most rescue squads were formed out of the civil defense World War II units.  Through much of the early 1960's, CRS operated a Cadillac rescue ambulance and an International Carry-all rescue panelvan.  With the volunteer force growing and the standard of care increasing, CRS formed rescue competition teams.  CRS won a World Championship in 1968 and continued winning throughout the mid-seventies.

     In 1968, CRS started a Rescue Squad program.  This program was the only heavy-duty rescue squad in the area for more than two decades.  The unit is responsible for operating at auto accidents, building fires, and other various technical rescue situations.  The company operated a 1972 heavy rescue vehicle, which was replaced by a 1982 unit.  We currently operate a 2000 Model Rescue Squad.

     In 1981, CRS formed an agreement with Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company to operate a substation ambulance at their station.  The ambulance is now a Paramedic unit staffed by two career staff members of CRS.

     In 1982, volunteerism was at its peak in the company.  CRS hired its first career technicians in 1982 to augment a volunteer force that was responsible for making non-emergency patient transports.  By the late 1980's the volunteer force was declining and CRS began staffing its ambulances with parttime career technicians.  by mid 1990, CRS was keeping paid staff on around the clock.  Increased call demands required the company to assure that two advanced life support ambulances were always at the ready.  A system of rotating shifts was implemented in 1997 and exists in a 24 hour on and 72 hour off schedule today.

     In 1998, CRS moved to its present headquarters building on Eastern Boulevard where we continue to operate a Combination Paid / Volunteer department that will answer an expected 8,000 calls for assistance in the coming year.