New AEDs for Williamsburg Police and Fire Departments

On April 14, 2019, the Williamsburg Fire and Police Departments hosted a 5K run and one mile fun walk which kicked off from the Anne T Dunphy School in Williamsburg. The inaugural event was to raise money for Semi-Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and to promote healthy activities. Our goal was to replace seven outdated units currently carried on the fire apparatus and in the police cruisers.

We are very excited to announce that all proceeds from the registration of 166 participants, several sponsors who supported the event and individuals who made contributions towards our cause, we raised just over $9000.

With extra support and contributions from the Williamsburg Firefighters Association and the Williamsburg Police Relief Association, we were able to purchase seven, brand new Lifepak CR Plus Semi-Automatic AEDs.

AEDs are used to diagnose life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and treat them through defibrillation. First Responders are generally on scene with the defibrillators before the ambulance arrives. Early CPR and early access to an AED dramatically increases survival chances as was the case on January 31st, 2019, when Williamsburg 1st Responders arrived quickly to a cardiac arrest and administered several shocks from an AED, which along with care by Highland EMS, resulted in a life being saved.

We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported us this year and we have already set the date of April 26th, 2020 for next years 5k. We hope to see you there.

Jason Connell – Fire Chief
Denise Wickland - Police Chief