New EMS Partnership with PEVRS Improves Response Times
Published on August 18, 2026
MEDIA RELEASE • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Trey Pyle, Director of Public Safety
TEL: (434) 392-8837
Prince Edward County, Va., August 17, 2026 – Residents in western Prince Edward County now have faster access to emergency medical care thanks to a partnership that places an ambulance closer to the communities it serves during daytime hours. Effective July 1, 2026, the Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad began stationing an ambulance at the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
This marks the first time the Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad has regularly stationed an ambulance in the western portion of Prince Edward County during daytime hours. During an earlier 90-day pilot program, average EMS response times in the service area were reduced by approximately 50 percent, demonstrating the impact of placing emergency medical resources closer to the communities they serve.
By reducing travel time to emergency calls, the new deployment helps lifesaving care reach patients more quickly when every minute counts. The initiative reflects a shared commitment by the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors and the County's volunteer fire and EMS agencies to work together to strengthen emergency medical services for citizens across Prince Edward County.
“This partnership is another positive step toward strengthening emergency medical services throughout Prince Edward County,” said Trey Pyle, the County’s Director of Public Safety. “I am grateful to the leadership and members of the Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad and Prospect Volunteer Fire Department for their willingness to work together to better serve our citizens. By working collaboratively and looking at how we can best position our available resources, we can continue improving emergency services across the county. We look forward to building on this partnership and exploring opportunities to expand coverage in the future.”
Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad Operations Chief, Shawn Harmon, said the new deployment reflects the Squad's continued commitment to serving the community. "Our mission is to be there when our community needs us most, and this deployment reflects a data-driven approach to meeting that obligation," said Harmon. "Analysis of our operations and response times showed a need in the western part of the County; stationing an ambulance there shortens response times where it matters. We will continue to monitor and evaluate our operations to ensure we deliver the outcomes our communities deserve.”
County Administrator Doug Stanley emphasized the value of collaboration in strengthening public safety services. "The results of the pilot program demonstrate the positive impact that thoughtful planning and cooperation can have on emergency response. The Board of Supervisors remains focused on working with our volunteer fire and EMS partners to provide the best possible emergency services to citizens throughout Prince Edward County."
The County and Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad will continue to evaluate operational data, staffing availability, and system needs as they work together to identify opportunities to expand coverage in the future.
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