The county ambulance response times are improving, and, in part, it's due to county ambulances being co-located at some fire stations, namely Orange Grove and Rural Orange.  The county is in discussion with New Hope, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill fire departments about the possibility of placing ambulances at their fire stations.

This example of cooperation is saving taxpayers millions of dollars - and, more importantly, strengthening ties between emergency medical professionals, county fire fighters, and the communities they serve.  Neighbors can stop by these fire stations to meet emergency medical teams and learn about the services they are trained to provide.

Special thanks are due to Emergency Services Director Jim Groves and Commissioner Earl McKee for working to create a cooperative and community-based Emergency Services system, one where everyone wins.

New Fire Stations and Safety Programs Improve Insurance Ratings
Orange Grove Volunteer Fire Department is putting the final touches on Fire Station #3, on Nicks Road.  Although the station is awaiting formal approval from the state fire marshal, this project signals the successful end result of a three-year effort by Orange Grove to assure that every property owner within their fire district can acquire affordable insurance protection.

White Cross has begun work on its new Fire Station #2, on Neville Road.  In addition, White Cross is expanding its main fire station on Old Greensboro Road, adding new safety features as well as a training area.  These improvements will extend the White Cross Fire Company's ISO 7 to 99% of the homes in the eastern portion of its district, lowering insurance premiums for those homeowners.

Orange Grove, Eno and other fire departments within the county, are waiting for the state fire marshal's authorization on their ISO 7 rating - which will lower homeowner insurance premiums for nearly all homes within their districts.

First Response is a Full Cycle

Jenni and Paul Shafer with Orange Grove First Responders (photo courtesy  of Erin Wiltgen, News of Orange)

This past June, horse trainer Jenni Shafer was kicked in the head by a horse.  First Responders from Orange Grove Fire Company were initially uncertain that Jenni would survive; she was bleeding profusely from a skull fracture.
They stabilized Jenni and waited for an ambulance to arrive and rush Jenni to UNC Hospitals.

With the help of rehabilitation therapy, Jenni is recovering quickly from multiple surgeries.  Once back to work at NC Therapeutic Riding Center, Jenni wanted to thank Orange Grove's volunteers and asked to meet with the team who helped to save her life.  For more on this heartfelt reunion, click here.