News Flash

Pitt County EMS Enhances Patient Care with New Mobile Technology

Sapphire IV Infusion Pumps installed on County EMS fleet

Pitt County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has enhanced patient care capabilities by equipping County ambulances and Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) with Sapphire IV infusion pumps, providing safer, more precise medication and fluid delivery during emergency responses and patient transport.

The Sapphire IV infusion pumps allow emergency responders to administer medications and IV fluids with greater accuracy and consistency, helping reduce the risk of dosing errors while improving patient outcomes. The compact, advanced technology is designed specifically for mobile and pre-hospital environments.

“Administering medication to pediatric patients is more complex than with adult patients,” says Jim McArthur, Emergency Management Deputy Director/EMS Coordinator.  “These pumps are a significant advancement and give our paramedics advanced tools to deliver critical medications more precisely to patients of all ages, especially during high-acuity calls where accuracy and efficiency are essential.”

The new infusion pumps will support a wide range of treatments, including cardiac medications, pain management, and critical care interventions. By standardizing this equipment across the ambulance and QRV fleet, Pitt County EMS ensures consistent care regardless of which unit responds.

“Our paramedics have completed training on the Sapphire IV infusion pumps, online modules, classroom instruction, and simulation scenarios, and are fully prepared to bring them into patient care,” said Jonathan Croom, Pitt County EMS Training Chief. “Fleet-wide rollout begins in February, ensuring safe, effective use from day one.”

Download equipment and training images. 

For more information, contact Pitt County Emergency Management at 252-902-3950. 

The Mission of Pitt County Government is to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of our community by advocating for and providing quality services in a friendly and cost-effective manner. Learn more: www.PittCountyNC.gov 

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Pitt County Firefighters’ Association Awards

Awards presented to Firefighter, Fire Officer and Fire Chief of the Year

The Pitt County Firefighters’ Association annual “Ladies Night Dinner” was held Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Eastern Pine Fire-Rescue located at 5473 Eastern Pines Rd, Greenville, N.C. Three awards were presented following the meal.

Pitt County Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Cody Bateman of Simpson Rural Fire Department. The Pitt County Fire Officer of the Year award was presented to George W. Gay of Farmville Fire Department. Chief Thomas Wayne Lilley of Bethel Volunteer Fire Department was named the Pitt County Fire Chief of the Year.

The awards are presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding support and leadership to their department and the community; contributing to the overall good and advancement of fire services in Pitt County for the previous 12 months. The selection committee is made up of individuals not currently in the Pitt County fire service.

“Pitt County Emergency Management joins the Firefighters’ Association in congratulating all award recipients and further thanking all of the dedicated individuals who serve the residents of Pitt County every day,” says Jay Morris, Fire Marshal / Emergency Management Deputy Director.

Emergency Management and the Firefighters’ Association are recruiting members for all rural volunteer fire departments. Volunteer firefighters are community members who defend residences and businesses from structure fire tragedies. Training/education may be completed within one year and is no cost to participants. Highschool students ages 14-17 years old, with parent/guardian permission, are encouraged to submit an interest form for the Junior Firefighter program. Interested individuals should visit www.PittCountyNC.gov/Firefighter or complete an Interest Form.

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For more information, contact PCEM at 252-902-3950.

Winter Weather Preparedness Week December 7-13, 2025 

Pitt County raises awareness with winter weather tips

Winter Weather Preparedness Week is December 7-13, 2025 and Pitt County Emergency Management (PCEM) urges residents to prepare for winter weather by updating their emergency plans and restocking emergency supply kits.

“Winter weather in North Carolina can be difficult to predict, so the message is always to have a plan. Now is the time to plan and prepare so that families can weather winter storms. For more information, go to ready.gov and readync.gov,” says Randy Gentry, Emergency Management Director.

During extremely cold weather or winter storms, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Residents can stay informed by signing up for local weather and community alerts. Sign Up for PittCountyNC.gov/Hyper-Reach.

Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power outages and icy roads. Safety Tips:

• Keep alternative heating sources prepared. Fireplace users should store plenty of dry, seasoned wood and keep fire extinguishers on hand.
• Properly vent kerosene heaters and keep electric generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not burn charcoal indoors as carbon monoxide poisoning can result.
• Keep new batteries for use in flashlights and weather radios.
• Always keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water in your home.
• To stay warm, wear layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothes.
• If travel is necessary during a winter storm, store an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes blankets, batteries, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, flashlight, battery booster cables and flares, tire repair kit and pump, road map, sack of cat litter (for tire traction), tow rope, bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods, extra clothing to keep dry and a windshield scraper and brush.
• If driving on snow or ice covered roadways, reduce speed and leave plenty of room between vehicles.
• If conditions worsen and you can no longer drive safely, pull off the highway. Stay calm and remain in your vehicle. Do not set out on foot unless you can clearly see a building where you can take shelter.

Most deaths attributed to winter storms are the result of indirect dangers such as traffic accidents, falling trees, downed power lines, house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from improper use of space heaters, grills and stoves.

Pitt County,NC Facebook page will post graphics promoting winter weather awareness and tips throughout the week. Learn More at PittCountyNC.gov/WinterSafety.

For more information, Call PCEM at 252-902-3950

The Mission of Pitt County Government is to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of our community by advocating for and providing quality services in a friendly and cost-effective manner. Learn more: www.PittCountyNC.gov 

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Pitt County Government Offices and PATS Closure Notice

Early closure and opening delays due to winter weather

Pitt County Government offices including Public Health clinical services and Cultural Arts & Recreation classes will close at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025 due to inclement winter weather and will operate on a two-hour delay, opening at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

Pitt Area Transit System (PATS) will halt public transportation services at 3:00 p.m. today and operate on a two-hour delay, opening at 8:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

Patients with clinic and PATS appointments will be contacted for rescheduling.

Normal operating hours are expected to resume Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Solid Waste and Recycling (Transfer Station and Convenience Sites) will operate on its normal schedule.

Full closure information related to this weather event can be found on the Pitt County Government homepage and closings/delays page www.PittCountyNC.gov/Closings, or social media account: Facebook @PittCountyNC.

For more information, please contact the Public Information OfficeCall 252-902-2955.

The Mission of Pitt County Government is to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of our community by advocating for and providing quality services in a friendly and cost-effective manner. Learn more: www.PittCountyNC.gov

Pitt County, NC Fire Districts Receive Fire Insurance Classifications

New district rating results from recently completed fire insurance evaluations

PITT COUNTY, N.C. – On October 27, 2025, Pitt County Emergency Management along with the Fire Department Chiefs of Ayden, Nedya, Fountain, Pintain, Staton House and Winterville Community fire districts received results from recent fire insurance classification surveys from the Ratings and Inspections department of the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) N.C. Department of Insurance.

According to the OSFM, the purpose of the evaluation was to gather information needed to determine fire insurance classifications, which may be used in the calculations of property insurance premiums.  This survey was not conducted for property loss prevention or life safety purposes, and no life safety or property loss prevention recommendations were made.  

Ayden/Nedya Fire Districts fire insurance classification continues to be a Protection Class 4/9E.  The 4 classification applies to all properties with a needed fire flow of 3500 gpm or less within five road miles. Class 9E applies to all other properties within the fire district outside the 5 miles, but no more than 6 miles. The private and public protection at properties with larger needed fire flows are individually evaluated, and may vary from the 4/9E classification.

Fountain/Pintain Fire Districts fire insurance classification is a Protection Class of 5/9E.  Formerly Class 6/9E applied; the new classification should result in a decrease in the property insurance calculations for many insured commercial properties. Rates on dwellings (including those insured under homeowners policies) are established by the NC Rate Bureau. The new rate will be effective on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Class 5 applies to properties with a fire flow of 3500 gpm or less. Class 9E applies to all other properties within the fire district outside the 5 miles, but no more than 6 miles. The private and public protection at properties with larger needed fire flows are individually evaluated, and may vary from the 5/9E Classification.

Staton House Fire District fire insurance classification is a Protection Class 4/9E.  Formerly class 5/9E applied; the new classification should result in a decrease in the property insurance calculations for many insured commercial properties. Rates on dwellings (including those insured under homeowners policies) are established by the NC Rate Bureau. The new rate will be effective on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Class 4 applies to properties with a fire flow of 3500 gpm or less. Class 9E applies to all other properties within the fire district outside the 5 miles, but no more than 6 miles. The private and public protection at properties with larger needed fire flows are individually evaluated, and may vary from the 4/9E Classification.

Winterville Community Fire District Fire insurance classification continues to be a Protection Class 5/9E.  The 5 classification applies to all properties with a needed fire flow of 3500 gpm or less within five road miles. Class 9E applies to all other properties within the fire district outside the 5 miles, but no more than 6 miles. The private and public protection at properties with larger needed fire flows are individually evaluated, and may vary from the 5/9E classification.

For more information about fire insurance evaluations, contact Jay Morris, Deputy Director Emergency Management/Pitt County Fire Marshal, at 252-902-3950. 

Pitt County to Host Annual Holiday Safety Fair on December 4

Free family event to promote seasonal safety and benefit local charity

On Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Pitt County Emergency Management and Cultural Arts & Recreation will host the County’s annual Holiday Safety Fair at the Alice F. Keene District Park located at 4561 County Home Road in Greenville, N.C.

Benefit:

The event will serve as a collection point for donations of new, unwrapped toys for children and families of the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern NC.

“Come out and meet our first responders from across Pitt County and support the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern NC,” says Randy Gentry, Emergency Management Director.

Activities will include:

• DH Conley Jazz Band & JROTC
• Helicopter and Touch-A-Truck featuring Pitt County EMS, Pitt County Public Health, Sheriff’s Office, NC Highway Patrol, EastCare, Winterville 15 Fire, Simpson Fire, Eastern Pines Fire and more!
• Home heating and cooking safety information
• Food vendors, including Anita’s Taco, Rezzie’s Pancakes, FairyTales Concessions
• Crafts and free art projects
• Pitt County Animal Services
• Petting Zoo
• Photo opportunity with Santa in his “Sant-Ambulance”

“We hope to provide an opportunity for learning and engagement and most of all spread holiday cheer to as many people as possible! By collecting toys, we can leverage the giving spirit of public service with our desire to help,” says Jim McArthur, Emergency Management Deputy Director/EMS Coordinator.

Learn More About the Holiday Safety Fair Now