Gaston County leaders cut rescue team's funding

Eyewitness News has learned that a Gaston County emergency response team is shut down for now. The Cherryville Rescue Squad contracts with the county to respond to basic and serious emergency medical calls.

This week the former chief of the Cherryville Rescue Squad announced his resignation. Then Eyewitness News learned the squad's board of directors noticed some financial issues, past due bills for medical equipment and some workers that have gone without pay. Concerns about the handling of money led them to ask county leaders for an audit.

The county agreed and Friday leaders also decided to cut the squad's funding and shut down operations.

"We aren't gonna provide money if there are any questions whatsoever," said Gaston County Manager Jan Winters.

Some citizens in Cherryville told Eyewitness News they had concerns as well.

"My main concern is not having service." said Pat Sherrill.

However, Gaston County's EMS Director told Eyewitness News that Gaston County Emergency Medical Services already has a paramedic ambulance and a paramedic quick response vehicle that operate out of Cherryville. Also, the Dallas Rescue Squad has agreed to fill in and serve Cherryville during the audit.

The board of directors for the squad told Eyewitness News that the State Bureau of Investigation is looking into the matter
as well.