Pender County outlines Emergency Services Department merger plan ahead of key transition

In a pivotal meeting held on June 2, 2025, the Pender County Board of Commissioners gathered to discuss a comprehensive emergency services plan that aims to merge various fire and EMS departments into a unified Emergency Services Department. The meeting, characterized by a sense of urgency and anticipation, served as an informational session, laying the groundwork for a significant transition in the county's emergency response framework.

The discussion began with an overview of the plan, which has been in the works for over a decade. The county has seen a shift from volunteer staffing to predominantly paid personnel, prompting the need for a more sustainable funding model. The current fire district and EMS taxes are insufficient to cover the growing demands of emergency services, leading to renewed discussions about a merger that began in earnest earlier this year.

Key to the plan is the establishment of an Emergency Services Department that will enhance coordination among first responders. This new structure will include a director and deputy director, along with various chiefs overseeing fire operations, training, and emergency management. The merger is set to officially take place on July 1, 2026, with a series of milestones leading up to that date, including the identification of an emergency services director and town hall meetings to address staff concerns.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of community engagement, with plans for public town hall meetings to inform citizens about the changes and what they mean for emergency response in Pender County. The board emphasized that while the presentation was informational, it was crucial for the public to understand the implications of the merger.

As the meeting concluded, the focus shifted to the financial aspects of the plan. Commissioners and attendees alike were eager to understand the costs associated with the merger, which will be detailed in future discussions. The groundwork laid in this meeting marks a significant step toward a more integrated and efficient emergency services system in Pender County, promising to enhance safety and response times for its residents.