Delegate provides state funding for emergency responders

ELKINS – Current West Virginia State Delegate William "Ty" Nestor, R-66th District, has procured Local Economic Development Funding for the benefit of tactical medical professionals who work alongside law enforcement engaging in special operations.

Following the passage of Senate Bill 83, which went into effect in May of 2023, the state now authorizes certain medical professionals to carry a firearm while on duty with a law enforcement team, subject to that law enforcement agencie's approval, and upon satisfactory completion of rigid certification requirements promulgated by the Law Enforcement Professional Standards sub-committee of the Governor's Committee on Crime, Delinquency and Corrections. These tactical medical professionals must also be trained in tactical combat casualty care and tactical emergency medical support before they may be fully authorized to carry a weapon.

"As I have stated many times, medical services, police security, and fire protection are critical infrastructure for any nation, state or county," Nestor said. "I think it is a priority for every elected delegate to ensure that these agencies have all they need save lives and to protect themselves and the people they serve.

"This funding falls in line with my priorities and the promise I made many years ago when I pledged to focus on what is important from a top-down approach as a state delegate. Paramount is the health, safety, and improved welfare of everyone in my state, county and district."

"The funding is going to be used to purchase two grade 4 body armor vests and two handguns which are of the same make and model and caliber as those used by the Randolph County Sheriff's Department," Nestor said. "This will make sure that our EMS assisting police in serious emergency situations like active shooter and high-risk raids are adequately protected when performing their primary function for the people. I feel as though I would have abrogated my duties to our community, our police and our local medical personnel if I did not consider these safety measures made available to them by law as a state delegate.

"Hopefully, these items will never be put to the test, but in good conscience, and as a precautionary measure, it amounts to very small expenditure of taxpayer dollars that could have an extremely important impact. I supported the bill and it is my hope that the legislation will be more of a safety precaution than anything else. At the very least we will have the piece of mind and the security of knowing we had as much or more to protect ourselves and those who serve us when something horrible might take place."

Nestor's term as delegate concludes in December.