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North Mecklenburg Rescue Squad to stop serving Huntersville after town cuts funding

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — The North Mecklenburg Rescue Squad will stop responding to emergency calls in Huntersville next year after the town decided not to renew its funding, a release said Saturday.

The squad, which responds to about 2,800 calls each year, will end its service on its 58th anniversary, Aug. 1, 2017.

Huntersville town manager Greg Ferguson said at a meeting with other town officials that the decision was made in order to align public safety leadership.

The Huntersville Fire Department will absorb the first responder calls while continuing its response to fire calls. Officials plan to open another fire station in late 2017.

The squad operates on a budget of $447,000 each year, $374,000 of which comes from the town.

"Having given 20 years of service to this squad, it saddens me to know that there is no place for North Meck Rescue, or our dedicated staff and volunteers in the Town of Huntersville's future plans," Chief John Stroup said.

The squad has helped more than 175,000 people during its 58 years of service in northern Mecklenburg County.