Our History
Rescue 8 Education & Training Division, Inc. traces its roots to Artelle EMS Training & Consulting, founded by Saquan M. Gholar in November 2007. In 2016, the organization became Rescue 8 and expanded its services to include security training, youth public-safety education, emergency preparedness, and career-development programs. Today, Rescue 8 continues to build upon that foundation by providing hands-on education, industry-recognized training, and pathways to careers in public safety.
Founder and President
Saquan M. Gholar is the founder and president of Rescue 8 and an experienced public-safety professional with more than 22 years of fire-service experience and over 17 years in law enforcement and security. Throughout his career, he has served as an Emergency Medical Services Coordinator for three fire departments, overseeing EMS operations and providing education and training to first responders.
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His professional experience includes emergency medical services, fire service, law enforcement, security operations, lifeguarding, arson investigation, instructor development, CPR and First Aid education, and EMS system management. Saquan currently serves as a law-enforcement officer, firefighter, EMS professor, lifeguard, and chief executive of Rescue 8’s EMS and Education and Training divisions. His continued frontline service helps ensure that Rescue 8’s programs remain practical, relevant, and responsive to community needs.
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Saquan also serves as Director of Security for Treehouse Estates and Vice President of the Calumet Public School District 132 Board of Education, where he advocates for youth development, educational opportunity, and community safety.
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In 2006, the Chicago Defender featured Saquan’s journey from high school dropout to respected public-safety educator and community leader. His story reflects the resilience, determination, and commitment to service that guide Rescue 8’s mission of saving lives by changing lives.