Wilkes Rescue Squad Dismissed: Contract Terminated

In Wilkesboro, North Carolina (reported by WGHP), the Wilkes Rescue Squad will no longer receive funding from the county following a unified decision made by the Wilkes County Commissioners during their meeting on Tuesday evening. This decision cancels an approximate $250,000 yearly agreement.

The rescue team violated their agreement with the county, which mandated that they must have Advanced Life Support certification. At present, the squad is operating one level beneath at Basic Life Support certification.

A significant display of backing was shown for the rescue team by multiple local emergency services personnel and residents of Wilkes County, followed by an uproar subsequent to the commission’s vote.

“One of the first responders shouted at y'all representing us and Kennedy, repeating once again, ‘How honest are you people?’” following an intense round of boos.

Hardin Kennedy, a Wilkes County commissioner, led the charge to cancel the contract with the WRS.

“They’ve got the money but haven’t provided the services. Do we have legal ramifications because, basically, this is larceny?” Kennedy said.

Kennedy stated that the rescue squad had received seven months' worth of county payments but failed to deliver proper medical services.

In a statement, the WRS said in part that they wanted to continue rescue services and have been fully compliant with all certificates and licensures at all times.

To put it simply, even without having full-time paramedics, the team can still utilize their boats for rescuing individuals in the water or extracting someone from a crash, along with providing various other assistance.

Kennedy stated that because they cannot offer supplementary medical services, they have been violating their agreement for the past seven months.

"If I miss my home mortgage payments for seven months, someone will take it away," Kennedy stated.

Commission President Shirley Randleman asked about event support for something like a NASCAR race.

The response varied depending on the situation.

Without the ALS distinction, a full-time certified paramedic would have to be present at events. The ALS status, Kennedy said, is critical based on his prior experience requiring medical attention.

“If only a BLS team had shown up as backup, I’d be praising the Good Lord in Heaven right now,” he stated.

Ultimately, Randleman said a contract is a binding document, regardless of personal feelings, recalling her own experience needing support.

“I feel like the county is very indebted to the rescue squad,” Randleman said.

The hope is that the rescue squad can get a new contract. The members FOX8 spoke with after the meeting said they are devastated. They still want a contract to provide basic life support.

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