Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Adds 20 New AEDs to Patrol Vehicles

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News | Wednesday, August 19, 2026

CENTRE, Ala. — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday the addition of 20 new automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, that will be placed in patrol vehicles, giving deputies upgraded lifesaving equipment to use during cardiac emergencies.

Sheriff Jeff Shaver made the announcement during a press conference Wednesday, August 19, explaining that the new devices will replace the Sheriff’s Office’s aging AED equipment.

“The purpose of this press conference is to announce the addition of 20 new AEDs to our patrol vehicles,” Shaver said.

The new AEDs were provided through GoRescue, an AED provider that works with law enforcement agencies and emergency medical organizations to help place portable defibrillators in the hands of first responders.

According to Shaver, the purchase was made possible through grant funding from the Alabama Council of Emergency Medical Services, along with funding provided by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

The new devices will be carried in patrol vehicles, allowing deputies to begin lifesaving care during a cardiac emergency while emergency medical personnel are still en route.

Because deputies are frequently among the first public safety personnel to arrive at emergency scenes, Shaver said having AEDs immediately available can make a critical difference when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest.

“Our deputies are frequently first on the scene, and these AEDs will give them an important tool to provide immediate medical assistance during a cardiac emergency,” Shaver said.

An AED is designed to analyze a patient’s heart rhythm and, when appropriate, deliver an electrical shock in an effort to restore an effective heart rhythm. Quick access to the equipment can be especially important in the first minutes following sudden cardiac arrest.

The Sheriff’s Office has carried AEDs for several years, but Shaver said the agency’s existing equipment had reached the point where it needed to be replaced. The 20 new Zoll devices will provide deputies with updated technology designed to support a faster and more effective emergency response.

Shaver also recognized East Alabama Emergency Medical Services and Executive Director John Blue for their role in helping the Sheriff’s Office secure grant funding for the equipment.

“We appreciate the East Alabama Emergency Medical Services, especially Executive Director John Blue, for their assistance in obtaining funding through their grant program to help us upgrade our current AED inventory to new, better, more efficient equipment to help better serve our community,” Shaver said.

Shaver also thanked local state legislators for supporting East Alabama EMS and helping make the funding available to the Sheriff’s Office.

State Sen. Andrew Jones, State Rep. Ginny Shaver and Cherokee County Commissioner Carlton Teague joined Sheriff Shaver for Wednesday’s announcement.

The addition of the 20 new AEDs is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s continued effort to ensure deputies have the training, resources and equipment necessary not only to protect the public, but also to provide potentially lifesaving assistance when emergencies occur.

“The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to equipping deputies with the training and resources needed to save lives and serve the public,” Shaver said.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/59c0c2_a126a09e566148e8914e5ac4b63e85a3/file

Continue to follow The Weekly Ledger News for local, area, late-breaking and community news.

© 2026 The Weekly Ledger News. All Rights Reserved.