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Isle of Wight peer-support team, Fire Rescue win regional recognitions
Summary
Isle of Wight Fire Rescue’s peer-support program and the county’s EMS agency received regional awards recognizing mental‑health peer support for first responders and leadership on pharmacy-related EMS procedures.
The Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors recognized local public safety personnel after county staff presented two regional awards at the board meeting.
Why it matters: Both awards highlight programs that affect emergency responders’ wellness and operational capability. The peer-support program focuses on mental‑health resilience among first responders; the EMS recognition reflects work to meet federal and state pharmacy accountability rules that affect controlled medication handling on ambulances.
What the board heard
Gary Windley (public safety presenter) read the award materials and introduced members of the county’s peer support team. He said the Isle of Wight Peer Support Program "fundamentally transformed the mental health culture for first responders across the region" and that the program trained "hundreds of first responders" in Hampton Roads. Windley credited cross‑jurisdiction collaboration and said the program reduced stigma and prioritized wellness.
Jeff Elmore and other team members from fire rescue were acknowledged on stage, and Chief Lindley and other crew members were cited for countywide training. Supervisor comments praised the program’s training and noted the program grew out of experience with critical incidents and subsequent efforts to build a peer‑led, trauma‑informed support network.
The county also accepted an award from the Tidewater EMS Regional Council for Outstanding EMS Agency, which county staff said recognized the department’s leadership implementing Board of Pharmacy and DEA guidance to manage controlled substances, development of secure storage and inventory procedures, and training of providers across multiple agencies.
County officials credited Tim Voss (pharmacy manager for county EMS), Lieutenant Chris Smith (logistics), and Katie Epperson (training coordinator) for building the county’s pharmacy program. County staff said the program included RF‑tracking safes on ambulances, two‑factor authentication for access and training for both career and volunteer providers.
Ending
Supervisors commended staff and volunteers for the awards and asked that the board’s appreciation be extended to the peer support team and EMS personnel. County leadership said the recognition underscores ongoing collaboration with regional partners and the value of proactive wellness and medication‑security programs.
