When privatization began & ended in Asheville & Buncombe Co., NC

September 11, 1965




Rigs were white over red. "Ambulance Service of Asheville" was later etched into the rear side windows. Note the Superior bullet lights and dual Federal flat speakers. Theirs was the first electronic siren I ever heard. The firm, owned by the late Roddy Brandes, and others, also operated Ambulance Service of Knoxville (TN) and Ambulance Service of Guilford (County, NC).


August 13, 1966



"Emergency Medical Technician" remained a few years distant. The late Jim Page, former LA County FD chief officer, and consultant to the "Emergency!" TV series, became NC's first director of the Office of Emergency Services. He was sent packing within two years because he refused to allow certification of illiterate applicants. NC's loss was the nation's gain.

Assisted Miller FH in Black Mountain with a funeral once and Chick Dillingham was with Bob Miller that day...

This story is most likely repeated over the country. We were lucky her as we only had the one funeral home that gladly formed the ambulance over to the fire department. Then they lost it when a Treo of ladies suef to be allowed to ride it with out being members of the fire dept. They ended up with the ambulance and the fire service dropped out.