ROANOKE, Va. – The city of Roanoke honored a first-of-its-kind rescue squad on Tuesday. The city dedicated a historical marker to the Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew. The crew, which was founded in 1928, is known as the first independent, all-volunteer rescue squad in the country. It served as a forerunner of today’s emergency medical services programs. “I am please beyond words to attend and witness the dedication of this marker which will live on for years to come, providing a brief education to the citizens of Roanoke and its visitors,” said Roanoke Emergency Medical Services board president Doug Hyre.