The Hoke County Rescue Squad was started on February 16,1962. The Rescue Squad was initiated as a project of the Raeford Moose Lodge. The Hoke County Rescue Squad, Incorporated became an independent non-profit organization in 1965. In 1968, the Rescue Squad obtained designation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation from the Internal Revenue Service. The base of operations was moved to its present location on Adams Street from its former base on E. Seventh Ave. in Raeford in 1971.

Other Milestones:

In 1973, the Squad purchased the first "Jaws of Life" Hurst tool. Hoke County was one of the first counties in the state to purchase this equipment. In 1975, The Squad began and completed its first emergency medical technician course certifying members for basic life support as "EMT-Basic". This program still continues today. In 1981, The Squad's building was expanded and a second Hurst tool (Jaws of Life) was purchased. In 1982, Water Rescue (primarily Dive Rescue) was added using boats and dive equipment. Today that has been expanded to include water rescue of rivers and streams. In 1991, a second Heavy Rescue Vehicle was added to meet the needs of a growing county. In late 1992, a substation was added to the western side of the county. This substation is based out of the Pine Hill Vol. Fire Dept. and answers calls west of Calloway Road to the Hoke/Moore County line. In 1994, various specialty areas were added to the capabilities of the Squad. They include: High Level Rescue, which can be used to retrieve a paratrooper from trees; Trench Rescue, which is used to free victims trapped in a construction trench; Mantracking, which is used to search for lost victims; Confined Space Rescue, which rescues victims from areas that due to the area and possible toxins involved is considered dangerous and OSHA requires that access to the space be restricted. The Hoke County Rescue Squad, Incorporated, receives funding from the following sources: County of Hoke, City of Raeford, United Fund of Hoke County, and Annual fund raisers such as pictures & plate sales.  We also receive contributions from the businesses and citizens of Raeford/Hoke County In 2001, the Squad received $22,000 from the County, $8,000.00 from the City, $4000.00 from the United Way, and 10,000.00 from annual fundraisers. Types of Calls commonly answered by the Squad are Vehicle Accidents, First responder when there are no available ambulances, Assist EMS calls when First Health Of the Carolinas needs extra people on a particular call, Assist Fire Depts with structure fires, stand by for High School football games.