The Lake Gaston Volunteer Fire Department marked their first 20 years in service with a milestone.

At midnight, July 1, the Department implemented its First Responder program. From this point forward the Lake Gaston Volunteer Fire Department (LGVFD) will be staffed 24/7 with two personnel.

“This is a project that we have been working on for four years now, and it makes me so proud to see it in action,” said EMS Captain Chris Roux.
“A lot of work went into putting this together and I couldn’t be more proud of all my guys and the extra hours they put in to make this happen,” said Fire Chief Doug Blanton.

For the past few months the department has worked hard on the fine details to get the program into action. Bunkrooms and a bathroom and living area had to be built. The fire department also had to go through and pass state inspections.
The primary vehicle that will be used for First Responder calls is Squad 8. EMS First Lieutenant Clint Brame said Squad 8 is reminiscent of Squad 51 from the 1970s television show “Emergency.” The beginning of the show depicts a paramedic program in its beginnings before legislation allowed paramedics to function independently. “We feel like we are breaking new ground in the Lake Gaston/Bracey area the same way as was depicted in that TV show. So we found it fitting to name the truck respectively,” Brame said.

The LGVFD held an awards and installation of officers banquet June 26 at the Lake Gaston Hunt Club.
Guest at the banquet was South Hill Fire Chief Rosser Wells. He congratulated the Department on their 20 years of service to the Lake Gaston area and for all the achievements they had made during that time.

The idea for the Lake Gaston Volunteer Fire Department was conceived in 1989 when a springtime brush fire at the Lake Gaston Hunt Club almost destroyed the building. John Zubrod was appointed as the group’s spokesman and he petitioned the Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors with the request.
The decision-making was passed to the Mecklenburg County Fire Chiefs Association which consisted of fire chiefs from seven other county departments.
In June 1989, a public meeting was held to determine if there was community support for a fire department in the Lake Gaston/Bracey area. Community support was unanimous throughout the area.
It was determined there was a need and the support for a fire department and so the Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors voted to allow its formation, and July 1, 1990 the Lake Gaston Volunteer Fire Department was born.
Before the Department could begin providing fire protection for its area, it was put under the scrutiny of the Fire Chiefs Association and had to pass an operational inspection. This was the first time ever a fire department was subjected to such scrutiny. They were also placed on a five-year probationary period at the end of which, they had to pass another operational inspection.
The Department passed its first inspection, which was held in May of 1990. They passed with flying colors and it was recommended by the fire chiefs’ that the LGVFD be placed into service.
So July 1, 1990, the Lake Gaston Volunteer Fire Department became Company 8 of the Mecklenburg County Fire Department. They responded to their first call three days later.
Since its inception, the fire department has passed many milestones.
In July of 1994, the Department formed its search and rescue dive team. The dive team received its first call two days after its formation.
In 1996, the LGVFD bought its first real fire truck. In 2004, it bought its first brand-new fire truck and in 2008 the Department acquired its ladder truck.
After noting the Department’s milestones during his speech at their banquet, Wells told the firefighters, “You’ve come a long way, but you still have a lot to do. If you keep up your efforts and the dedication you can accomplish it.”
Wells said he had seen a tremendous amount of dedication and determination from the Lake Gaston Volunteer Fire Department and thought they were one of the “finest volunteer organizations around.”
Of their newly implemented First Responder program, Wells told them, “There’s no in between time. There’s no in or out. The people outside who support you expect you to be there when they call.”
And the First Responders have already answered their first calls. Over the July Fourth weekend, they received six calls. Calls included response to people falling, a heart attack and a bee sting.
First Responder Lyle Shore worked the first shift last Thursday. “Our first night was quiet and we had no calls,” Shore said.
He said everything with the program was running smoothly. “This is an exciting new chapter for Lake Gaston. They’ve never had this before, now there is someone on duty 24/7 to answer calls.”
Shore said his family was very supportive of his work. “They know it’s for a good cause, and besides, everybody at the fire station are just like family.”
Shore is trained as a First Responder and plans to take the EMT test in August to get licensed.
Ricky Elmore worked the day shift Friday, July 2.
“It was quiet during the day,” he said. “A lot of people in the area said they are really glad we have the program.” Elmore said the first week had run smoothly and everything had been very successful.
“I hope it stays that way, and I’m glad to serve the area with this program,” he said.
Elmore is a First Responder and plans to take the EMT class in August.

Reprinted with permission from the South Hill Enterprise