N.C. Fire Dept. Now Provides Rescue Services
Source The Sampson Independent, Clinton, N.C.
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Dec. 11--The Spivey's Corner Volunteer Fire Department has assisted others in offering rescue services in its fire district for years -- now it has obtained the proper certification and equipment to do so on its own, an achievement that will allow more service in Spivey's Corner and another helping hand in northern Sampson County.
The department this week requested approval to start providing rescue services to the Spivey's Corner fire district and other areas as requested or needed by mutual aid request. Fire chief Alan Honeycutt said the department has purchased the required equipment and obtained certification from the N.C. Association of Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Inc.
To obtain certification, at least eight members of the department had to complete the proper training to perform any of a variety of technical rescue operations, including cutting the vehicle itself during an extrication. Those certifications have been secured, and the entire department has gone through the classes. The specialized equipment needed has also been acquired.
"We've been working at this for a few years," said Honeycutt.
A used truck was purchased last November, which the department then worked to fix up and outfit with all the proper light rescue equipment. "It took us close to a year to get that prepared," noted Honeycutt. "We feel like we've saved the district about $350,000 compared to a new truck."
Honeycutt said Spivey's Corner has been assisted by neighboring departments in performing extrication and light rescue duties for motor vehicle wrecks and other incidents. Those relationships will continue, with Spivey's Corner now legally able to return the favor, Honeycutt said.
"The service we were receiving from neighboring departments was excellent, but we felt we needed to pull our weight a little bit," said Honeycutt. "It's just another addition in hopefully serving the community and offering more service to the citizens who need it."
The Sampson County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Spivey's Corner Fire Department for rescue services at its meeting earlier this week.
According to the contract, at least annually and not later then Oct. 15 of each subsequent fiscal year, the department shall provide to the county an annual audit of all its revenues and expenditures received during the preceding fiscal year. As part of that agreement, the responsibility of the county would include providing an annual stipend to the department in an amount to be determined by the regular budget process of the county.
"Such stipend shall be determined on an annual basis and will coincide with the county's fiscal year and shall be paid in 12 monthly installments and shall only be used by the department to defray its regular operating expenses," the contract states.
Currently, that annual stipend stands at $5,100.
"That will put fuel in the truck," said Honeycutt. "It's not a lot, but it does help."
For years, Spivey's Corner has assisted neighboring departments, including Plain View and others, however they could in rescue services. Back in the 1970s, the department actually helped to purchase hydraulic rescue tools used by Newton Grove Fire Department, Honeycutt noted.
"We've been right there helping them, just not legally certified," said Honeycutt. "We've been involved in helping everyone else. We were just not legally recognized in doing it ourselves."
The N.C. Association of Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Inc. lauded the local department in a letter sent soon after they met the requirements.
"Your department, personnel and the citizens of Spivey's Corner and Sampson County should be very proud of this high achievement," stated Gordon Joyner, executive director of the N.C. Association of Rescue and EMS. "It is indeed an honor to be recognized at the level of professional rescue and EMS service."
The fire chief said now more than ever, fire, rescue and other emergency services have essentially merged into a large conglomerate that serves the community in a combined effort, with mutual aid agreements at the forefront. Volunteerism is key to that service, especially in a new era of tight governmental budgets.
"Daytime help is short countywide, whether it be fire, rescue, whatever," Honeycutt said. "Volunteers are still needed. They're very vital. It's something the county can't do without."
That is why Honeycutt is impressed when a group of volunteer firefighters in Spivey's Corner step to the plate, attending hours of training to gain required certification, and using their own valuable time and resources to research the most cost-effective method of providing increased service in their district -- a service that will save lives.
"These boys put in a lot of hours in training and are taken away from their jobs and their family to run these calls," said Honeycutt, who shared the basic thought that drives them to give their time to do everything to help others in need.
"You never know when it might be your family that needs that help."
Chris Berendt can be reached at 910-592-8137 ext. 121 or via email at [email protected].
