SALISBURY — The Rowan County commissioners on Monday recognized the local champions of the North Carolina Paramedic Competition.

The county’s two-member team for 2017, Aaron Thurston and Daniel Medina, took the top prize in the competition and received the Paramedic Champion award.

Local paramedics have made it to the finals in this regional competition for six consecutive years. This is the second year they’ve claimed top honors. Thurston and Medina also won in 2014.

Chief of Emergency Services Frank Thomason praised the duo for their accomplishment.

“We’re very proud of them being able to bring home that award to Rowan County once again,” Thomason said.

Thurston holds credentials from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians at the paramedic level and serves the Emergency Medical Service Division as a captain and assistant shift commander. Medina is also credentialed by the National Registry and works part time for the division.

Commissioners Chairman Greg Edds said the accomplishment should serve as a great source of comfort for local residents.

“You don’t know how safe this makes us feel. I hope you understand that – it does,” said Edds. “We’re not only proud of you, but we’re glad that you’re here. The fact that you guys have this kind of quality for our community is a big, big deal.”

In other business at Monday’s meeting:

• The commissioners approved the design for proposed interior alterations to the finance and human resources department offices in the Rowan County Administration Building.

Most of the alterations are updating wall and carpet finishes, with the addition of a break room, kitchenette and restroom on the basement level. Changes on the main level will provide each department with its own workroom, a department entrance for human resources, and extra office and closet space for the finance department.

Changes follow the movement of the Board of Elections to West End Plaza. The project will shift human resources into previously held Board of Elections space, with the finance department to shift into the vacated human resources space.

• The commissioners accepted a bid of $2.4 million from Hickory Sand Co. for upcoming Dukeville Road area water service.

In line with contracts with Duke Energy, the county will be responsible for a maximum of $239,000 of the project’s cost. Much of the cost is because to possible industrial development along Long Ferry Road, which would require wider pipes than required for residential service.

• The commissioners voted to cancel their mid-December meeting.
• They approved appointments to the Cleveland and Granite Quarry extraterritorial jurisdiction planning boards, the Pooletown Volunteer Fire Department commissioners and the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.

In total, there are currently 31 board vacancies in Rowan County.

“If you’re looking for something to do to contribute to your community, I encourage you to jump in and contact us,” said Edds. “Go (to) … rowancountync.gov and apply online.”