Added jobs in Amherst to boost response times to EMS calls [Video]

An additional ambulance, Amherst County’s fourth, approved in the new fiscal year 2025 county budget — a new resource to improve response time to emergencies — is anticipated to be up and running around September or October.

Brad Beam, director of Amherst County Fire & EMS, said the new ambulance and the 12 new positions to staff it represents a major investment in public safety from the county board of supervisors that will improve responses to calls.

“Every year I think our budget saves lives,” Beam said. “But I am completely confident that these changes will save lives … and improve the quality of life for our citizens and those who visit Amherst County.”

The board of supervisors voted at a special called meeting June 25 to approve the new $59.6 million budget, an increase of $3.4 million, or 6%, that goes into effect July 1. The budget includes 15.5 …