Citing a pattern of poor performance and missed calls, County Commissioners voted to cancel the emergency services contract with Nakina Fire and Rescue today (Wednesday).
The board met in executive session to discuss potential litigation for several minutes after being briefed on this morning’s announcement about International Paper curtailing operations in the Riegelwood facility (see related story).
After the executive session, Chairman Ricky Bullard asked for a motion regarding Nakina’s contract with the county. Laverne Coleman made the motion, with a second from Barbara Featherson. The board voted unanimously to cancel the contract.
Nakina had recently been warned by state officials about missed calls and being out of service. Call records show NFR missed multiple cals over the course of two years, and was listed as “out of service” 48 times. NFR had also been asked several times by the county to improve service, and to outline plans to increase its response to fire and rescue calls.
The board voted to send the letter after no discussion in open session. Bullard read a brief statement after the vote, noting “years of poor service” which had deteriorated further in recent years. The board took the action to “safeguard the health of the citizens of the community” in accordance with state law.
The contract will be officially cancelled in 90 days, at which point mutual aid departments will handle fire calls. Nakina’s medical calls will be handled by Tabor City and Whiteville Rescue.
Nakina is hosting a celebration of its 50th anniversary of service Sunday at 2 p.m.
This is a developing story.
