COURTLAND
The Southampton County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved at Monday evening’s meeting to buy a used ambulance for the Courtland Volunteer Rescue Squad.

“The purchase of this ambulance will increase of fleet to three Advanced Life Support ambulances, and will aid us in manning the numerous special events that our volunteers staff, while leaving two ambulances to service more traditional responses, such as medical emergencies and multi-vehicle accidents,” Melissa Hatfield, president of the Courtland Volunteer Rescue Squad’s Board of Directors, said.

The capital funding request sought an appropriation of $7,000, set aside annually for each fire department and rescue squad within the county since 2000, to buy the vehicle from the Ivor Volunteer Rescue Squad.

“I think we need to approve this [immediately],” said Dr. Alan Edwards, representing the Jerusalem District. “It’s a good fire company and a good investment.”

County administrator Michael W. Johnson added that these funds are held in escrow until a request to withdraw is approved by the supervisors.

“Escrowed funds continue to accrue for each department or squad if they are not drawn down on an annual basis,” Johnson said.

To date, the county has collectively appropriated nearly $2 million for fire and rescue improvements since 2000, and have more $500,000 holding in escrow.