CENTRE– The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has received 20 new automated external defibrillators for deputies and school resource officers.

Sheriff Jeff Shaver announced the acquisition during a press conference Wednesday, Aug. 19.

The new ZOLL devices will replace older equipment carried by the agency. They will give deputies and school resource officers updated lifesaving equipment during cardiac emergencies.

AEDs Will Support Deputies and Schools

Deputies often arrive among the first responders at emergencies across Cherokee County. Therefore, immediate access to an AED could prove critical when someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest.

Meanwhile, school resource officers spend each day with students and employees on local campuses. The new equipment will give those officers another emergency response tool inside the county’s schools.

“When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, every minute matters,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “Having an AED immediately available gives them another lifesaving tool when seconds count.”

The agency has carried AEDs for several years. However, the Sheriff’s Office determined that it needed to replace its existing equipment.

The 20 new units provide updated technology for deputies and school resource officers. In addition, the purchase helps the agency maintain access to AEDs across its patrol and school operations.

Grant and Sheriff’s Office Funds Covered Purchase

Grant funding from East Alabama EMS helped pay for the equipment. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office also provided funding for the purchase.

The Alabama Department of Public Health identifies East Alabama EMS as the state’s Region Two EMS organization. The region includes Cherokee and nine other counties.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked East Alabama EMS Regional Director John E. Blue II for his assistance with the project.

Officials also recognized State Rep. Ginny Shaver and State Sen. Andrew Jones for helping make the purchase possible.

Shaver addressed those attending Wednesday’s announcement and spoke about the project.

Jones also delivered remarks during the press conference.

New Equipment Expands Emergency Readiness

The Sheriff’s Office said the new AEDs strengthen its ability to respond when seconds can determine the outcome of a cardiac emergency.

Deputies cover communities throughout Cherokee County each day. At the same time, school resource officers provide a daily law enforcement presence for students and employees.

As a result, the new devices will support emergency readiness both in the community and inside local schools.

The Sheriff’s Office described the equipment as another important tool for protecting lives throughout Cherokee County.

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