Batesburg-Leesville, SC (WLTX) - Earlier this month we told you about the Batesburg-Leesville rescue squad, who was not dispatched during a fatal shooting in Lexington County, even though they were minutes away.
News19 has since learned the rescue squad had been taken off Lexington County's 911 dispatch after a county council vote discontinued the mutual aid agreement with their department in February.
But now, the Batesburg-Leesville rescue squad, comprised of EMT's and paramedics who volunteer from other departments, is again reaching out to the county. They tell News19 that they have gained nearly one thousand signatures from residents on a petition asking to be put back on Lexington County's 911's dispatch.
DHEC says the Batesburg-Leesville Rescue Squad does have an up-to-date license through them, but 911 dispatch is a matter of county ordinance. The rescue squad believes not having them on the call list will effect residents medical care.
"We wanted to remind them that we're still a vital asset to this community, and we haven't gone anywhere and we're hear, and we need to be utilized," says Tina Livingston, a paramedia with the rescue squad.
News19 had made phone calls and sent emails to Lexington County for a response as to why specifically the County voted to discontinue the mutual aid agreement in February; however we have not heard back from them.
The Batesburg-Leesville rescue squad says they will continue to run rescue for the people who call them directly.