The Charlotte County Rescue Squad honored three of its founding members Sept. 4 for their service and dedication to the community.

A press release said the late Randolph L. Duffer was recognized for his service and dedication and also had his number retired from service last month.

The release said, “in addition to having his number retired from service last month, the organization voted to dedicate the Charlotte County Volunteer Rescue Squad building in Keysville as the Randolph L Duffer Building.”

A formal ceremony is set to be held at a later date, along with having a plaque created.

The release said Harry Tharpe and Coan Agee were also present with their families, along with the Duffer family, to retire their numbers.

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors were also in attendance.

According to the release, Tharpe and Agee were founding members of the Charlotte County Rescue Squad and remained active for the past 48 years.

The release said RS1, Randolph Duffer; RS3, Coan Agee and RS5 Harry Tharpe have all been officially retired at this time.

Charlotte County Rescue Squad Captain Bill Mayhew said when the founding members initially were on the rescue squad, “it was pretty rough back in those days.”

He said he couldn’t describe the amount of thanks he had for their support over the years.

The release said Mayhew and Charlotte County Rescue Squad President Phillip Staten “presented the awards and recognition for the ceremony.”