Batesburg-Leesville, SC (Paul Kirby) - The Batesburg-Leesville Fire Department recently placed a new rescue unit into service. Rescue 25 is a 2019 Chevrolet 2500-HD with 4-wheel drive and a crew cab. The unit is equipped with a 12,000 lb. winch and serves as the primary first responder unit for medical calls in the community. It is equipped with a first aid jump kit, oxygen, and an AED that can automatically shock someone’s heart if that’s needed.
The old Rescue 25 responded to over 475 calls in the community last year. The new truck’s operator can communicate over an 800 mhz. portable radio with Lexington County Dispatch and by a VHF radio in the unit to Saluda County Dispatch if it’s required for mutual aid there.
In addition to its primary responsibility as the first response truck, the unit will be used to respond Ventilation 25 which is the departments large ventilation fan. It’s trailer mounted, one of a kind, and has been used all over the Midlands. The new truck can also pull the department’s fire prevention trailer and serve as a utility vehicle for on duty fire personnel. The rescue was purchased locally from Herlong Chevrolet in Batesburg-Leesville.
