![Members of the Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad helped a man who had fallen during a fundraising event for the group at Little Island Park this past month. [John-Henry Doucette/The Princess Anne Independent News]](https://princessanneindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/sb-1.jpg)
SANDBRIDGE — This past month, the Sandbridge Pig Pickin’ brought about 2,000 people to Little Island Park support to volunteer rescue efforts here through Station 17.
There was food, drink and entertainment.
There also was a reminder of the work the Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad does in the beach community.
Near the end of the event, a man fell, striking his head. Some of the volunteers helping to run the event sprang into action to help the man, and some drove him away in an ambulance for treatment.
Among the many who helped was Dougie Ford, who joined the volunteers to give back.
“I was brought up to believe you should serve your community, and this was the most fun way to do it,” Ford said during an interview before the man fell. “We have a lucky life in America, and we have a lucky life in Virginia Beach. I think we have a responsibility to give back for some of that luck we have — the freedom, the chices.”
The Pig Pickin’ started about 36 years ago to support the Sandbridge voluteers, said Fred Greene, booster chairman for the group.
“It all goes to support the purchase of the ambulances,” he said.
The Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad operates at Station 17.
For more information, the squad can be found on Facebook or visit www.sandbridgerescuesquad.com.
For information on the Volunteer Rescue Squads of Virginia Beach, including how to get involved, visit www.livesneedsaving.org.
