Summary
County staff were set to report that the July 2026 merger of fire and EMS services took effect without service interruption, but both divisions remain short-staffed — fire down 26 of 96 firefighters and EMS down 26 of 92 employees. Crews have been closing stations on occasion and working heavy overtime. The update was for information only, with no action requested.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 8, 2026.
Impact analysis
No dollar figure attached to this item, but short staffing is driving overtime costs.
Residents gain a clearer picture of how the merged fire-EMS system is performing and where gaps remain.
Communities may face slower response times while stations close on short-staffed days.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Board of County Commissioners - Sep 8, 2026
County staff were set to report that the July 2026 merger of fire and EMS services took effect without service interruption, but both divisions remain short-staffed — fire down 26 of 96 firefighters and EMS down 26 of 92 employees. Crews have been closing stations on occasion and working heavy overtime. The update was for information only, with no action requested.
Board of County Commissioners - Jun 15, 2026
The merger is cleared by the Department of Justice and on track for July 5, with the transfer of assets agreement now approved.
Board of County Commissioners - Jun 1, 2026
The merger of Pender EMS & Fire into county emergency services is 95% complete on tasks and takes effect July 5, 2026. Commissioners pressed on insurance deductibles, service guarantees, and retiree benefits for eight long-serving employees.
Board of County Commissioners - May 7, 2026
Emergency Services is asking for 15 fire positions and a new ambulance with 8 crew members — response times and coverage across the county ride on this.
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