Shelburne Rescue

08/27/2026

EMS is evolving. The days of a transport-only model are going by the wayside. Thank you to JEMS - Emergency Medical Services for highlighting one of Shelburne Rescue’s initiatives to meet patients where they are and bring lifesaving care directly to the people who need it.

A Prehospital Buprenorphine Program in a Small Rural-Suburban EMS Agency: https://ow.ly/xY3950ZFR8o

Opioid-related mortalities increased substantially with a marked escalation beginning in 2013 and further exacerbation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent data found a modest decline in opioid-related deaths, which is likely attributable to targeted public health interventions emphasizing harm reduction and improved access to medication for opioid use disorder treatment.

Emergency medical services (EMS) have assumed an increasingly critical role in addressing this crisis. In 2024, the State of Vermont launched an innovative pilot program, Prehospital Vermont Buprenorphine Treatment (PREVENT), designed to expand prehospital interventions for the management of acute opioid withdrawal.

This case study examines the implementation, successes, and challenges of PREVENT within a small municipal EMS agency serving a rural–suburban population of approximately 8,126 residents with an annual call volume of 1,800+ calls.

07/14/2026

From our friends at the National Weather Service.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected this evening and tonight. Storms will move from the northwest to the southeast generally after 7 PM. The main hazard will be damaging winds, with large hail, a tornado, heavy rain, and frequent lightning possible. Remain weather aware and keep up to date with the latest forecast.

07/05/2026

🇺🇸🗽🎇 Shelburne Rescue had the pleasure of stopping by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Summer Festival Tour: America 250 July 4th concert this evening at Shelburne Museum. It was wonderful to see so many coming together to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday through music, patriotism, and community spirit. 🎆🗽 🇺🇸

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 As we celebrate the 🇺🇸 holiday weekend and the 250th anniversary of American independence, Shelburne Rescue wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Whether you are attending a parade, enjoying a barbecue, watching fireworks, or spending time on the water, please celebrate responsibly:

🚑 Never drink and drive — designate a sober driver.
🎆 Leave fireworks to the professionals whenever possible.
☀️ Stay hydrated and take breaks from the heat.
🦺 Wear life jackets when boating or swimming.
🔥 Use caution around grills, campfires, and outdoor cooking equipment.

Our crews will be on duty throughout the holiday, ready to respond should you need us.

From all of us at Shelburne Rescue, have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

06/30/2026

🇺🇸 🗽 Just in time for America’s 250th birthday, the Town of Shelburne, Vermont and Shelburne Rescue, thank Aubuchon Hardware for the donation of a brand-new American flag.

A special thank you to Chris, Assistant Manager, for facilitating this important donation.

We value and deeply appreciate the continued support of the community and local businesses we proudly serve. 🗽 🇺🇸

06/03/2026

🕯️Assistant Chief (ret.) John Heaslip served the Town of Shelburne, Vermont, in numerous capacities throughout his years of dedicated service. At Shelburne Rescue, he held many roles, including Rescuer of the Year, Driver Training Officer and Assistant Chief.

His commitment, leadership, and expertise were invaluable in keeping our ambulances in service and ensuring the community received high-quality emergency medical care. Through his dedication to both the organization and the community of Shelburne, John left a lasting impact that will not be forgotten. Chief, rest in peace.🕯️

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Heaslip family, friends, and members of Shelburne Fire and Rescue.

https://www.vtfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/John-Charles-Heaslip?obId=48555447

06/02/2026

🧸🐻🐻‍❄️Thank you to Vermont Teddy Bear for its generous donation of 10 Little Hero Bears!

Through this longstanding program, first responder agencies are able to provide a little extra comfort to our youngest patients during what can often be a stressful or frightening experience. These bears can make a meaningful difference by offering reassurance and a friendly companion when it is needed most.

We are grateful for Vermont Teddy Bear’s continued support and for being such a valued part of the Town of Shelburne, Vermont community. A visit here is a great way to Shop Shelburne VT.

Thank you for helping us care for our youngest residents! 🐻‍❄️🐻🧸

05/31/2026

🚔 👏 Congratulations to Officer Rob Bresnan, Shelburne Police Department! We look forward to working with you to keep Town of Shelburne, Vermont healthy and safe! 👏 🚔

05/26/2026

John was a longtime member of the Shelburne Fire Department. Through his service, he supported countless Shelburne Rescue incidents and was always there when the community needed him. John, thank you for your dedicated service and commitment to others. Rest in peace.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our current President, John Weber, who lost his courageous battle with cancer on Monday May 25th, 2026.

John dedicated 7 years of volunteer service to the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad and nearly 40 years of service in Fire and EMS serving different departments and communities. His commitment, compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to helping others were truly unmatched. John was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone without hesitation. He gave so much of himself to his community, his fellow responders, and every person whose life he touched.

To many, John was more than a leader. He was a mentor, a teacher, a trusted friend, and a steady presence in difficult moments. He inspired those around him through his selflessness, kindness, and quiet strength. The impact he made on the lives of so many can never be fully measured, and his absence will be deeply felt throughout our community and within his EMS and Fire family.

John leaves behind his beloved wife, Holly, and his daughters, Emily and Sydney, along with extended family, countless friends, coworkers, and members of his EMS and Fire family who loved and respected him dearly.

During this incredibly difficult time, we ask that you keep John’s family, friends, and the members of VARS in your thoughts as we all navigate this heartbreaking loss together.

Information regarding services and arrangements will be shared once plans have been finalized.

Rest easy, John. Thank you for your years of service, your friendship, your guidance, and the countless lives you helped along the way. VARS 120 - We have it from here.

Sincerely,
Christina Brace
Vice President
Vergennes Area Rescue Squad

05/22/2026

❤️ 👏 🚑 As EMS Week 2026 comes to a close, we want to pause and recognize the people who show up day after day, night after night, for our community. At Shelburne Rescue, we are proud to honor every one of our EMS providers for their skill, compassion, teamwork, and dedication to serving others when they need it most.

We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to all of our mutual aid EMS partners (South Burlington Fire - IAFF Local 3671, UVM Rescue, Charlotte Fire and Rescue Services, Vergennes Area Rescue Squad). Your support, cooperation, and professionalism strengthen our response system and help us provide the highest level of care to the people we serve. We truly could not do this work without the strong relationships we share across our region.

We are particular grateful to our local public safety partners, Shelburne Fire Department, Shelburne Police Department, and Shelburne Communications Center for their constant support, coordination, and partnership. The teamwork between our public health and safety agencies makes a real difference every day and helps keep the Town of Shelburne, Vermont safe and healthy.

To every paramedic, AEMT, EMT, dispatcher, firefighter, police officer, and support partner: thank you for your commitment, your sacrifice, and your unwavering service. EMS Week may be ending, but our gratitude for you continues all year long.

Thank you for being there when it matters most. 🙏 🙏 🙏