Vernon County Ambulance District Board discusses donating water rescue gear

Vernon County Ambulance District (VCAD) Board Chairperson Jeanne Baldwin reads the proposals requesting donation of the water rescue gear while Vice Chair Coeta Smith (left) and Board Member Jennifer Householder (right) listen on.

Photo by Sarah Haney | Daily Mail Editor

The Vernon County Ambulance District (VCAD) Board met on Thursday evening to discuss a few agenda items, including the possible donation of water rescue gear to the Swift Water Rescue Team. The team is made up of volunteers from rural fire departments in Vernon County and members of the Nevada Fire Department.

During the meeting, VCAD Treasurer Chris Mason presented the financial report for February. According to the report, the district collected $12,992.21 in taxes and had a total income of $169,806.74. However, the district also had expenses of $202,119.73, resulting in a net income of -$33,032.99.

VCAD Director Leland Splitter then presented proposed bills, which were unanimously accepted by the board.

In old business, Splitter explained the proposal from Vernon County Emergency Management Director Derek White, requesting the donation of VCAD's unused water rescue gear to the Swift Water Rescue Team. The proposal noted the lack of funding for necessary resources and requested the donation of dry suits, wet suits, helmets, personal flotation devices, throw bags, rope, rescue equipment, and any other water rescue equipment that is not being utilized by VCAD.

After some discussion, the board agreed that it would show community partnership to donate the items. Mason suggested adding a waiver to the donation stating that since the equipment is quite old and may be beyond its quality use date, VCAD could not be held liable for any malfunction of the equipment. The board members agreed, and with a motion, a second, and a unanimous vote, the board chose to donate the equipment.

The Swift Water Rescue Team expressed their gratitude for the donation, stating in the proposal that it would greatly benefit the team and allow them to use funding in other areas, such as additional equipment and training.

Overall, the meeting was brief but productive, with the board making a decision that will benefit the community and support the efforts of volunteers who dedicate their time to emergency services in Vernon County.