Residents in the Brookman, Buckswamp and Fancy Bluff communities of Glynn County can sleep a little easier.

As of Jan. 1, the fire station that serves their area, Fire Station No. 8 on Cate Road, has been equipped with its own ambulance and paramedic team, bringing to seven the number of ambulances available in a county of 74,000 residents.

Until recently, emergency calls in north Glynn County were answered by ambulances from other county fire stations.

Fire Chief Al Thomas said the additional squad is beneficial for residents and paramedics.

“It cuts down the squad calls for the other fire stations, which in turn helps us answer calls more quickly,” he said.  “It also helps us save on fuel and the wear and tear on the ambulances.”

Glynn County Commissioner Carl Johnson, who represents the voting district covering the three communities, is pleased with the addition.  Johnson, a former county fire chief, said he had talked with residents in the past who were concerned about ambulance coverage.

Adding a new squad has been one of his priorities as a county commissioner.

“The bottom line is that it could help save more lives.”

The squad couldn’t have come at a more critical time.   Johnson said his district has experienced tremendous population growth the past few years.

“District 1 is growing in leaps and bounds,” he said.  There’s a new Toyota dealership, a new grocery store off of exit 29, a new motel off of (Interstate) 95, and new developments from Cate Road to Satilla Shores and out to Buckswamp.

“I think we’re the fastest growing district in the county and the largest district, and we have more room to grow.”