Victoria Fire & Rescue Chief Rodney Newton recently gave an update on the operations of the Kenbridge Rescue Squad (KES) in the past nine months following a merge of the squad with Victoria Fire & Rescue that took place last February.

“We are very pleased with how things are going,” Newton said about the merge and the activity at the KES station. “Financially, things are looking better. We are still providing 18 hours a day, paid coverage out of the station down here.”

Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors voted in favor of merging the two entities following struggles the KES experienced answering calls due to lack of funds and volunteers.

Giving an example of the benefits of that service, Newton said the department recently received a report that someone was having a seizure. Newton said the crew responded and that the seizure became a full arrest. He said crew members had to shock the individual eight times.

He said approximately a week later, the department got a call from the individual saying he was home from the hospital.

“We are continually looking to make improvements,” Newton said. He said there have been a few glitches with the new ambulance at the site, but noted the department is in touch with the manufacturer of the ambulance.

He said there is approximately $60,000 worth of cardiac monitors scheduled to be delivered to the department at the end of the week of the 20th as a result of a grant. “We look forward to working with you,” Newton said.

Councilmember Daniel Thompson said Newton taught the council how to administer first aid and perform CPR.

“I have been here for a long time,” Thompson said. “This is probably the best report I’ve ever seen.”

Newton said he sends the same report to the Victoria Town Council. Town Mayor Emory Hodges shared a similar sentiment to Thompson about the report, and thanked Newton for his service to the department.

“I think you’re doing a good job,” Hodges said. “I think you’re answering the calls. You get the service to where it needs to be, and I tell you, that’s probably a big relief for this town.”