Fire department to run medical calls

Chief Chris Smith of the Westminster Fire Department has selected December 1 as the date to inaugurate First Responder service from the station.  After a presentation Tuesday to the city council, Smith got the ahead.  First response to medicals within the corporate limits is currently provided by the Westminster Rescue Squad and Oconee Emergency Services.  “I don’t want to take their place.  I want to assist them,” Smith replied to a question by Councilman Bill Brockington.  At only an extra minimal cost, Smith said he believes the time is right for his department to become another county municipality to provide the service.