HONEA PATH, S.C. --
County officials are set to decide the fate of the Honea Path Rescue Squad, which provides emergency medical services to thousands of people.
The County Commission will hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the issue.
Squad members have been accused of using taxpayer money to pay for internet dating and other things. Also being investigated are checks written to the rescue squad's director and his estranged wife.
On Thursday, the board that oversees the squad recommended their suspension, which raised concerns over who would take over the emergency services. The Honea Path Rescue Squad covers thousands of people within a 40-square-mile radius.
Anderson County Emergency Medical Services Director Scott Stoller said they already have a plan in place to ensure that thousands of people will not be deprived of emergency care.
"At anytime, we can bring in one of the other agencies to provide care and that's a phone call away," Stoller said. "You might see a different name on that ambulance but you should see the same high quality care from whoever comes to provide that care."
Eight agencies provide emergency services in Anderson County. The two closest to Honea Path are the Iva Rescue Squad and Belton EMS. In addition, the county could also contract a new agency to provide the services, Stoller said.
The emergency meeting is scheduled for Monday evening. If the suspension pushes through, officials said the agency that comes in to help will decide whether those employed by the Honea Path Rescue Squad will still have a job.
Members of the squad maintained that they did nothing wrong.
"They have to do what they feel is best for the taxpayers of Anderson County and I understand that," said Jim Smith, of the rescue squad. "I don't say I have to agree with it."
Officials To Decide Honea Path Rescue Squad's Fate
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