Shallotte Volunteer Rescue Squad facing financial troubles, absorption

BRUNSWICK COUNTY — The Shallotte Volunteer Rescue Squad may not be volunteer for much longer. Brunswick County officials want to absorb the rescue squad and help with its financial troubles.

Shallotte’s volunteer rescue squad has been around for decades. Recently, though, it’s been having financial difficulty.

Brunswick County Spokesperson Huey Marshall said, “The county would like to, if at all possible, relieve some of those financial obligations in its effort to merge the Shallotte Rescue Squad with county services.”

Marshall says the county wants to absorb the rescue squad by handing it over to the county and paying some of the current volunteers.

“We are getting a very good deal because there are a number of qualified personnel that will be able to assist us in our emergency response in that area,” Marshall said.

Among the squad’s financial problems is allowing insurance to lapse.

Mary Bogan works in Shallotte and doesn’t think the county should absorb the volunteer squad. She said, “The guys are out there. They are doing their job and I respect them for that. They’re doing a good job.”

Jerry Beck, on the other hand, says it’s nothing against the volunteers, but maybe there does need to be a change. He said, “I think the county definitely needs to step in a take a look at what’s going on.”

Marshall says the volunteer squad is currently building a new facility. Construction is at a standstill until finances are worked out. He says the county would like to turn the facility into a dispatch center.

Marshall said, “We certainly hope this can be completed quickly.”

There was a meeting Monday night to discuss the possible merge. Marshall said they are very close to an agreement.