The Shadow
The Sharon Rescue Squad organization has set the month of August as their major fundraising focus. However, funds are accepted throughout the year as there are numerous needs that must be met. Recently the organization spent $107,000 to purchase air packs which is a breathing apparatus and $30,000 for compressors. These are standards in place that must be met and followed.
Chief Will Carey explained that even though the Sharon Rescue Squad has a total of 45 members on their roster, only about 20 are active and available to answer calls when not at work. Each new member must adhere to and pass a background check by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services. The new member will then be subjected to a vote of approval by the local membership.
The Sharon Rescue Squad automatically responds to all calls east of the hospital even though they cannot transfer patients to the hospital. Therefore it is imperative that the squad answer calls with an EMT present to provide care until another transport agency arrives.
All structure-related calls east of the hospital are also answered by an additional three companies. The Sharon Rescue/Fire Department presently has three Class A Pumpers (engines), one Tanker that carries the most water, and two brush trucks for brush fires. Another company responds if the brush or structure fire is large.
If Chief Carey is unavailable, the other officers on call are in charge. Whoever drives the truck is in charge until an officer arrives. Chief Cary would like to reiterate that the Fire Department needs members who are available to participate in the Sharon Fire Department which is invaluable to the east end of Alleghany County.
