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For almost 25 years Oak Grove VFD served its community strictly as a fire department. As times changed, and the community's size continued to increase, the need for quicker medical intervention became apparent. With paramedic units stationed in Kings Mountain, Waco, and Shelby, advanced life support normally meant at least a 7 minute response. In 1993 the department became DOT certified First Responders and initial response to a medical scene dropped down to around 4 minutes. The program was not modified until 1998 when members decided to re certify, plus encourage newer members to become certified as well. A check with Cleveland County EMS revealed a new program through the state, which certified personnel as Medical Responders. The class, which took 2 months meeting each night for 4 hours, was a significant undertaking to those who wanted to be certified, plus the course meant passing a state test and skill labs.

Today there are 9 Medical Responders at the Department. These members are required to attend monthly in service training classes, plus additional Medical Responder meetings during the year. 

Today the program is under the guidance of Assistant Chief Charlie Martin, who was a central figure in the first program's creation back in 1993.