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Victoria officials report rising emergency workloads; town to keep local pharmacy for EMS drug boxes
Summary
Victoria’s police and fire leaders told the council on Nov. 12 that calls and special‑care hospital watches are increasing, two police cadets are due to graduate Dec. 18, and the fire department will comply with a new statewide EMS drug‑box policy while continuing to work with Smith’s Pharmacy as its supplier.
Mayor Allen D. Smith opened the Nov. 12 meeting with routine business before the council heard public‑safety updates from police and fire officials.
Lieutenant Justin Beagle told council the police department handled 311 calls in October, made 13 arrests and issued 22 citations. He said the department has seen more temporary detention orders (TDOs) and emergency custody orders (ECOs) that require an officer to remain with a patient at a hospital for long periods, and that the department relies on neighboring agencies such as Kenbridge and Lunenburg County for mutual backup when those watches are needed. Beagle said two cadets in the academy have 22 days remaining and are scheduled to graduate Dec. 18, 2024, and that the added staffing will allow expanded shift coverage.
Fire Chief Frankie Tanner reported 133 department responses in October. Assistant Chief Chris Garrett briefed council on a new state requirement for EMS drug boxes and said the Department of Health extended the statewide implementation date to Nov. 1, 2025; Victoria’s internal completion target is July 1, 2025. Garrett said the state indicated a preference for large pharmaceutical suppliers, but the town submitted Smith’s Pharmacy’s procedures to the state and plans to continue using the local pharmacy pending the state inspection. Garrett said all drug‑box costs will be borne by Victoria Fire & Rescue.
Council accepted both department reports by motions recorded in the minutes. No vote tallies were provided in the transcript; each motion was recorded as “motion carried.”
The council did not take any additional formal action on staffing or EMS procurement at the Nov. 12 meeting; officials said they will continue coordination with the state and report back as inspections and approvals proceed.
