SHANNON COUNTY, MO- The Shannon County First Responders held their annual elections at this month’s meeting. New officers were elected for all First-Responder positions.
Elected Positions:
Tony Castillo-President
Joseph Castillo– Vice President
Jessica Slaton-Secretary
Molly Ice– Treasurer
Blake Martin- Public Information Officer & Training Coordinator
President elect Tony Castillo says “I would also like to thank everyone involved in making the Shannon County First Responders what it is today, there were a lot of sacrifices made for our community. Thank you Allen Ford for nominating me to fill your shoes. Hope I can make you proud of what the organization becomes.”
Outgoing President Allen Ford said “ I have been honored to lead this organization for the past several years and I hope the community will give the new leaders their full support. The board decided that it was time for new younger blood, the new board will be an awesome team! Thank you and if you see them out say Hi and congratulate them.”
Manpower in the organization has increased recently by a number of new members representing new First Responders from the Eminence and Winona Fire Departments who recently completed their training. “With the addition of these two groups to existing members from Birch Tree Fire and unaffiliated members, should allow greater coordination, communication and training between the towns’ emergency responders.” Said outgoing spokesperson Bill O’Donnell.
The mission of the Shannon County First Responders is to support local ambulance services by arriving first and providing immediate first aid and medical support as needed. All First Responders are trained to at least the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) level, and some are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), paramedics and nurses. The First Responders cooperate closely with local fire and law enforcement agencies as well as with Mercy Health Care which provides training and logistical support. The Shannon County Sheriff’s Office dispatches first responders through the same radio system used for law enforcement and fire response.
The Shannon County First Responders do not receive any funding from fire departments, taxes, insurance, medical bills or any source other than donations and grants and they do not charge for their services. Donations to help their work are appreciated and can be sent to P.O. Box 140, Winona, MO 65588 or made at any Security Bank in Shannon County.
To learn more about the Shannon County First Responders, check out their Facebook page. If you have medical training and would like to join, you can send them a message through the page.
