Berkeley County officials approve tax alterations and appoint new ambulance authority director

Berkeley County residents will soon see improvements in emergency medical services following the recent Berkeley County Commission meeting held on April 3, 2025. The commission announced that all nine ambulances in the county's fleet have been upgraded to advanced life support (ALS) units, enhancing the level of care provided to patients in critical situations.

Brandon Truman has been appointed as the acting director of the Ambulance Authority, with former director Bridal Costello remaining on as an advisor for the next six months before his retirement in October. This leadership transition is expected to further strengthen the county's emergency response capabilities.

The upgrade to ALS units means that each ambulance will now be staffed with a paramedic capable of performing advanced medical procedures, such as defibrillation and medication administration. This significant enhancement is a result of a partnership with Blue Ridge College, which secured a grant to facilitate the training and resources needed for this transition.

In addition to the ambulance upgrades, the commission reported an average county response time of eight and a half minutes for emergency calls, which is considered commendable compared to other regions in West Virginia. The commission also highlighted a successful implementation of a non-residential fee, which has resulted in an 80% collection rate since its introduction at the beginning of the year.

Other discussions during the meeting included updates on various projects, such as the ongoing construction of the health department addition and the day report facility, both of which are progressing on schedule. The commission also addressed the status of the sewer board projects, with the largest treatment plant project expected to be completed by June.

The meeting concluded with a special moment as Commissioner Catlett swore in his granddaughter, Ava Daniel, as an honorary county commissioner, celebrating her achievements as a straight-A student and student council member.

These developments reflect the commission's commitment to improving public services and community engagement in Berkeley County. As these initiatives move forward, residents can anticipate enhanced emergency services and continued progress on key infrastructure projects.