08/February/2018 – New Ambulance placed in service – “A” Shift

Medic 7 was placed in service at Station # 7 at 18:30 Thursday evening 08-February. After many years County Council was able to fund the ALS Unit to serve the northwestern portion of the county. Firefighter-Paramedic Kevin Varnadoe and Firefighter-EMT Ashley Ackerman worked the first shift. Previously, Medic 18 covered the area from Bells Crossroads and was the only west side ambulance covering an immense response area. The additional ambulance will greatly reduce response times for citizens living in the community. Station 7’s response area accounted for 1/3 of the medical responses for Medic 18. This will allow Medic 18 to remain in their response area more, thus improving responses for both stations. Medic 7 will also be covering Station # 17’s response area. This was previously covered by Medic 26 located on Mt. Carmel Road. County Administrator Kevin Griffin, Admin. Services Director Meagan Utsey, Finance Director Jon Carpenter, The Fire-Rescue Commission, Smoaks Mayor Linder as well as Captain John Graham and Lt. David Sauls all worked hard to make the unit a reality.