Pender County EMS merger moves forward, but still faces staffing challenges

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Pender County commissioners received an update Tuesday on the county’s emergency services merger, about two months after the departments were brought together.

The merger combined Penderlea Fire Department, county fire services and Pender EMS.

Since the merger, the county has updated several state and county policies and onboarded employees.

However, staffing remains a major challenge.

According to the update, Pender County is currently short 26 firefighters and 26 EMS employees. The shortages can lead to an ambulance or firehouse being closed when there are not enough personnel to staff them.

The county has multiple training courses underway for new recruits as it works to address the staffing shortage.

Pender County is also looking to fill six captain positions within its emergency services operations.

Officials say addressing staffing will remain a key focus as the county continues implementing the merger.