Wake County to add EMS staff and stations; chair urges community help for foster children

In her State of the County address, Chair Susan Evans highlighted recent public-safety investments and an urgent shortfall in foster-care placements.

Evans said the county opened the Apex main EMS station, approved plans for a Cary main EMS station as part of a regional service model, and partnered with municipalities to co-locate EMS with fire departments in Holly Springs, Knightdale, Garner and Fuquay Varina. She announced ground-breaking for a fire and EMS station in Zebulon tomorrow and plans to begin work this year on a Sandy Plains fire and EMS station serving the county’s northwest corner. To support growing 911 call volume, the county added 15 EMS positions in the current budget, including paramedics and EMTs.

Separately, Evans described the foster-care system as strained, saying Wake County currently has just over 500 children in foster care and only 88 licensed foster families. She urged community members to consider becoming licensed foster families, provide respite care for existing foster parents, share information to increase awareness, or contribute funds and gifts through the community outreach sponsorship program. Evans said some youth are being temporarily housed in the Swinburne Social Services Building while awaiting placements.

The chair introduced Sheila Donaldson, deputy director of social services, as a forthcoming speaker on the topic, and directed viewers to on-screen information about ways to help foster children. The address did not include policy changes or new county rules for foster care; it focused on an appeal for community support and cited staffing and facility investments in emergency services.