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The Farmville Fire Department Auxiliary donated two AED’s to the athletic department at Prince Edward County School System. This came about as the world became more aware of the importance of AEDs on Jan. 2, when Buffalo Bills Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after being hit during a play. 

The following days and weeks, people talked about what had happened to Damar Hamlin. Of those people talking about it were Coach Larry White of the Prince Edward County High School Football team and Richard Hurak who is the President of the auxiliary. Coach White spoke with Hurak to see if it was possible that the auxiliary could donate one or two AED’s to the athletic department. 

The idea was then presented to the membership of the auxiliary, who voted to purchase and donate the AEDs. 

Kenneth Ashley, Athletic Trainer with Prince Edward County School System, was able to help with the arrangements to purchase the AEDs. The AEDs have been in service since September. 

Hurak states that one of the auxiliary members said, “This is one gift we hope you never have to use.” 

This is the second time that the Farmville Fire Department has donated AEDs to the Prince Edward County School System. 

The auxiliary’s mission is to aid the Farmville Fire Department with fundraisers, rehab on fire or accident scenes such as water, Gatorade and snacks when needed and to help the community. 

“So all the funds from the fundraisers we do are put to good use, like the brick fundraiser and raffles we do throughout the year,” FFD officials said in a statement. “The donations from businesses and individuals to the auxiliary fundraisers are greatly appreciated and put to good use in the community.”