By VDC staff

Barre City emergency services say they were stretched to the limit Saturday as firefighters and paramedics handled eight medical calls in just two and a half hours, leaving the city without fire protection for part of the day.

Between 2:26 and 3:02 p.m., four medical calls came in at once, requiring both ambulances and Engine 2 to respond, according to city fire officials. Later in the evening, simultaneous calls again required both ambulances, leaving only the fire chief in the station.

Crews responded to 12 calls total during the day, six of which overlapped. Officials said the high call volume highlights “how stretched thin our current staffing levels are,” and urged the community to support staffing increases to ensure timely response to emergencies.

“The nationwide public health crisis of COVID, mental health, housing challenges, and the drug epidemic have drastically affected our community. These compound the “at risk populations” we have in our community, including a high percentage of elderly that typically require a higher need for our services,” a Barre City FD statement said.

Shaftsbury crash linked to alleged road rage

Vermont State Police say a Michigan man faces charges after a reported road rage crash on U.S. Route 7 Saturday afternoon. Troopers said Anthony Gerry, 20, of Big Rapids, Michigan, struck the rear of another vehicle after being passed by it, then lost control and went off the road. No one was injured. Gerry was cited for negligent operation and reckless endangerment and is due in Bennington court December 15.

Barre woman cited for theft, credit card fraud

Police have cited Stefanie Lawrence, 29, of Barre City, for petit larceny, financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, and credit card fraud. Officers say Lawrence stole money and a credit card from a Berlin residence and used it to make purchases at several stores. She was located October 25 in Barre and ordered to appear in Washington County Superior Court on December 4.

“Medical emergency” or overdose?

A transient man was arrested Saturday after police determined he violated court-ordered conditions of release. Troopers said Devine Campbell-Reid, 27, was initially believed to be suffering a medical emergency but was found to have used illegal drugs and possessed a deadly weapon, violating his release terms. He was held at the Northeast Correctional Complex for lack of $200 bail and is due in court October 27.

Castleton man clocked at 102 mph in Clarendon

A Castleton man was cited for excessive speed and negligent operation after being stopped for driving 102 mph in a 55 zone Thursday morning on Route 7. Deputy Alan Frasier of the Rutland County Sheriff’s Department identified the driver as Thomas Adams, 46. Adams was released with a citation to appear in Rutland court and issued a speeding ticket carrying a $696 fine and two points.