Scotland-County Rescue-Squad

04/01/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of one of our own, Tim Grooms, a dedicated retired member of the Scotland County Rescue Squad.

Tim served his country and his community with unwavering integrity, commitment, and pride. His willingness to answer the call — no matter the hour or circumstance — reflected the kind of person he was: selfless, dependable, and deeply devoted to helping others.

Tim was more than a rescue member; he was family to all of us. His presence, leadership, and friendship will be greatly missed by everyone who had the honor of serving alongside him and by the citizens he worked so hard to protect.

Please keep Tim’s family, friends, and our entire Scotland County Rescue family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Rest easy, Tim. Your watch here is complete — we’ll take it from here.

Jordan McQueen, Assistant Chief SCRS

https://www.richardbolesfuneralservice.com/obituary/Timothy-Grooms?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQ5ThBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEekXH-4800io-GjU1wGy9qoTovKwzq3Ynd0EN5DDQUVg-U0Xn2uvLQx2uUmfI_aem_9B_uM7ep9PQ2JGGb2_bSPw

Celebrate the life of Timothy Grooms and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.

02/17/2026

Tonight, squad members gathered for our monthly rescue meeting and hands-on training session. Members focused on Traffic Incident Management Systems (TIMS) training, reviewing best practices for roadway safety, scene control, and interagency coordination. After the classroom portion, crews went outside to set up mock scenes and practice proper apparatus placement to ensure maximum safety for responders and the public.
Training like this keeps our team sharp, prepared, and ready to serve Scotland County at a moment’s notice.

Thank you to all of our dedicated members who continue to put in the time and effort to protect our community. 💪🚨

01/22/2026

🚨 Scotland County Rescue Squad – Winter
Storm Safety Update ❄️

As we head into this weekend’s winter weather, we want to remind everyone to please use extreme caution if you must travel. Roads may become icy and dangerous very quickly.

Winter Safety Tips:

• Avoid unnecessary travel if possible
• Reduce speed and increase following distance
• Keep a blanket, flashlight, phone charger, and emergency supplies in your vehicle
• Never pass emergency vehicles working on the roadway

🚗 Abandoned Vehicle Notification:
During the storm, you may notice a 3-foot piece of crime/fire scene tape placed on the driver’s side of abandoned vehicles along the roadway.

This tape indicates the vehicle has already been checked for occupants by emergency responders. This helps prevent multiple agencies from having to stop and re-check the same vehicle, allowing us to respond more efficiently to other emergencies.
Please do not remove the tape unless you are the vehicle owner.

Your safety is our priority. Stay warm, stay alert, and stay safe.

If you have an emergency, dial 911.

Stay safe, Scotland Rescue

12/18/2025

On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Scotland County Rescue Squad enjoyed an evening of fellowship and a meal with the Laurinburg Fire Department, where we acknowledged members for their outstanding service and presented awards.
Chief MJ Campbell presented the 2025 Squad Member of the Year award to Bill Odom and the Officer of the Year award to Bradley Butler.
Additionally, Assistant Chief Jordan McQueen and Deputy Chief Donald Locklear received the 2025 Chief's Award.
I extend my gratitude to all members who dedicate their time annually to this organization; your contributions are invaluable to our squad's success.

M.Campbell, Rescue Chief

11/04/2025

The past two days several members of the Scotland County Rescue Squad MJ Campbell, Grey Martin, Bryant Wright, Savannah Magyar, and Donald Locklear Jr. successfully completed the Public Safety Dry Suit and Full-Face Dive Certification Course.
This two-day class included one day of training in an indoor pool and a second day of open-water dives in a pond, where participants completed two certified dives. This certification is another important step toward expanding our ability to serve the citizens of Scotland County. We are proud of our members’ dedication and commitment to achieving advanced training that enhances our team’s readiness for any situation. As we continue working toward funding the necessary equipment to provide full dive rescue operations, we move closer to reaching a major milestone for our community.

MJ Campbell, Rescue Chief

10/21/2025

The Scotland County Rescue Squad is proud to announce the election of MJ Campbell as the newly elected Rescue Chief, serving a four-year term.

Chief Campbell began his journey with the Rescue Squad as a dedicated member, progressing through the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and now Chief. His commitment and leadership have been evident throughout his years of service.

During last night’s meeting, Chief Campbell announced that he will begin his term with a fresh start, implementing a transparent selection process to appoint his command staff and officers for the upcoming term. All members will receive notification in the coming days with details on how to participate in this process. This approach ensures fairness, integrity, and equal opportunity for all squad members and the citizens we serve.

“I look forward to serving the citizens of Scotland County and the members of this amazing squad. I appreciate the support thus far and will lead the squad with the utmost professionalism and integrity for all members and stakeholders.”
— Chief MJ Campbell

We would also like to extend our congratulations to the newly appointed Board Members, Ray Crabtree and Doug Calhoun, and thank them for their willingness to serve and support the mission of the Scotland County Rescue Squad.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Campbell, Ray Crabtree, and Doug Calhoun as they step into their new leadership roles and continue to move the squad forward in service to our community.

10/20/2025

My Final Message as Chief of Scotland County Rescue Squad

As I step down from my role as Chief of Scotland County Rescue Squad, I do so with a full heart and deep gratitude. When I accepted this position, I committed to serving a four-year term — and today, I honor that commitment. Tonight there will be a new Chief!

Serving in this capacity has been one of the greatest honors of my life. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it. Like any worthwhile endeavor, the greatest rewards often come after the hardest challenges. The sacrifices made along the way were necessary — and they paved the road to our successes.

When I took office, I set ambitious goals for our squad. Today, I can confidently say that, with the help of an incredibly dedicated team of 100% volunteers, we have achieved nearly all of them. I leave knowing the squad is stronger than it was — better equipped, better trained, and better positioned for the future.

One goal, however, remains unfinished — securing compensation or tangible support for our all-volunteer members from our County and City leadership. Despite persistent efforts, this was not realized. It is my only regret as I step down, but I hope those conversations will continue and one day lead to the recognition and support our volunteers truly deserve.

My journey in public service spans just under 32 years. I began as a Junior Firefighter and went on to serve as a Volunteer Firefighter, Dispatcher, Full-Time Firefighter, Volunteer Rescue Member, Deputy Chief, and eventually Chief of the Scotland County Rescue Squad. I also had the privilege of serving as both President and Vice President of the Scotland County Firefighters Association.

From the beginning, I knew my mission: to make someone’s day a little better. Over the years, this mission has brought me countless highs, some difficult lows, and lessons I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’ve had strong supporters — and strong critics. I’m grateful for both. Each shaped me and pushed me to grow into the leader I became.

Today marks not just an end, but a blessing. God has protected me through situations I knew were dangerous — and many I likely never realized. I thank Him for that, and for the strength He gave me to serve this community for so long.

To my wife and family — your sacrifices made mine possible. You gave more than I ever could, and I am forever thankful.

To my coworkers, fellow volunteers, and the countless brothers and sisters I’ve served alongside across counties, states, and even the nation — thank you for enduring my quirks, sharing the burden, and standing with me. It has been an honor.

I’ll leave you with this:

You are not invincible. Tomorrow is never promised.
Serve God with all your heart — He will guide and protect you.
Do more. Be better. Never stop learning.
And always — leave it better than you found it.

With deep respect and gratitude,
David Laviner
Chief, Scotland County Rescue Squad

10/20/2025

The Scotland County Rescue Squad will hold its regular meeting tonight at 6:00 PM at Laurinburg Fire Station 1.
During this meeting, members will conduct the election of the Commander and Board Members for the upcoming term.
All active members are encouraged to attend and participate. Thank you for your continued dedication and service to our community!

Jordan McQueen, Assistant Rescue Chief

09/10/2025

Today the 100% volunteer members of Scotland County Rescue, finished 5 straight days of service to ours and others community! 3 days at the SkyHigh Airshow and 2 days in Randolph County assisting with a search for a missing child. All while our other members responded to emergencies at home.

We were honored to help others communities with our skilled searchers and equipment, like others have done for Scotland County so many times!

As Chief of this organization, I cant say how proud I am that we have people that will sacrifice their entire weekend and days away from thier job to selflessly provide for others for FREE. If you see a member of our agency, thank them for their sacrifice.

09/07/2025

More pics from the airshow this weekend!

09/07/2025