Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (PFRES) and Southside Virginia Emergency Crew, Inc. (SVEC) are teaming up to decrease response times during fires and emergencies. PFRES and SVEC have strategically divided the City into service areas to provide a more efficient and seamless process when responding to emergency calls.
“In an emergency, a delay can mean the difference between life and death,” said Bubby Bish, SVEC Director of Operations. “This new strategic plan will ensure that when people call 9-1-1, they have the fastest response possible and SVEC and the City are providing exceptional care to our residents.”
PFRES and SVEC staff met today to further define the collective efforts for operations and commit to more consistent communication to result in more effective emergency operation and efficient use of resources. In attendance were William E. Johnson, IIII, City Manager, T.C. Hairston, Fire Chief, Brian Sturdivant, Deputy Chief, Mark Milazzo, Division Chief, John Michalek, Division Chief, Richard Jordan, Captain/EMS Coordinator, Bubby Bish, SVEC Director, Liz Papelino, Deputy Director, J. Tolleison Morriss, VI, Board of Trustees President, Jim Vanlandingham, Treasurer and Ann Taylor, Board of Trustee Member.
Since July 1, PFRES has an Advance Life Support (ALS) ambulance located at Fire Station 3 (Farmer Street) and Fire Station 4 (S. Sycamore Street). SVEC will continue to be a strong presence in the Petersburg community, responding to the protection districts of Fire Station 2
(S. Market Street) and Fire Station 5 (Johnson Road).
“The City’s change in services will be an enhancement to our already outstanding services,” commented Fire Chief T.C. Hairston. “The City’s emergency plan to staff a fire-based emergency medical service at two locations strengthens the public-private partnership between PFRES and SVEC. We will continue to work with SVEC to make sure we are providing the residents of Petersburg the best possible emergency care under one comprehensive plan.”
SVEC is a non-profit rescue squad that has served the City of Petersburg since 1945.
For any emergency calls, please call 9-1-1. For non-emergency calls, please call (804) 732-4222. For more information, please visit www.svecems.org and www.petersburgva.gov.