Berkeley County Moves to Streamline Oversight of Emergency Medical Services
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (August 14, 2026) – The Berkeley County Commission adopted an order on Thursday to dissolve the Berkeley County Emergency Ambulance Authority and transfer EMS operations to a county department to be named Berkeley County Emergency Medical Services.
The move will take effect July 1, 2027, which provides time for the administrative transition.
“This should be absolutely seamless in regard to providing the level of services, with no effect on employees’ retirement and benefits and no increase in fees charged for services,” Berkeley County Commission President Eddie Gochenour said.
“The Ambulance Authority fees that are currently collected will continue to be solely used for Berkeley County emergency medical services.”
Administratively, the move will result in efficiencies, including a reduction in duplicative functions and streamline long-term operational management of emergency services to include, EMS, Fire, Emergency Communications, and Emergency Management, which will fall under direct oversight of the County Commission, replacing the current volunteer board.
“To the many citizens who have volunteered to provide oversight of Ambulance Authority operations, we certainly owe a debt of gratitude,” Gochenour said.
About the Berkeley County Emergency Ambulance Authority:
Chartered as a public corporation in 1988, the Berkeley County Emergency Ambulance Authority is the official 911 emergency medical provider of Berkeley County as authorized by the Emergency Ambulance Services Act of 1975. The agency is currently comprised of approximately 85 trained EMTs, advanced EMTs and paramedics, and six administrative staff. The agency operates nine ambulances daily from eight EMS coverage stations, including five stations based at Berkeley County’s volunteer fire departments.
About the Berkeley County Commission:
Primary duties of the Berkeley County Commission, as the county's governing body, include the funding of county capital and operating budgets, maintenance of county-owned buildings and grounds, laying of county levies, and general provision for the public health, safety and welfare of County residents.
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