Gift could save lives
Staff writer
Interim emergency medical service director Chuck Kenney gave cardiac treatment equipment to first responders for three towns Thursday.
Automatic external defibrillators for Durham, Ramona, and Florence were paid for by a $8,018 grant from Diamond Vista Wind Farm.
The devices will be placed in fire chiefs’ command vehicles.
The devices are used to help people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. They analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish effective rhythm.
Kenney, who was appointed interim director the day former director Curt Hasart resigned, began working for Marion County as a volunteer in 2008, remaining until 2012.
Then he worked in Wellington.
After working for Belle Plaine and as an instructor at Hutchinson Community College, Kenney returned in August 2019.
During his off time, he raises and shows English setters.