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Council hears emergency-services staffing and ambulance status report
Summary
Barnwell County committee reports said Ameripro ambulances were fully committed ("status zero"), the sheriff's department has recruitment challenges, and Fire Coordinator Wesley Gatlin and EMA's Eric Turner were commended for storm response.
During the Health and Safety Committee report, Councilman Travis Hooper said Ameripro is operating at a level described in the minutes as "down on status zero where all ambulances are out and no waiting on an ambulance," indicating ambulances were fully committed at the time. The council noted the sheriff's department has openings and is struggling to recruit and retain employees amid higher salaries offered elsewhere.
Hooper also commended Wesley Gatlin, the county's fire coordinator, and Eric Turner and their teams for their response during recent storms. Piedmont rescheduled its meeting until Feb. 18, 2026. The council recorded these operational and staffing issues for committee follow-up but did not take immediate policy action at the meeting.
