Hardeman County AEDs Arrive Through ThreeStar Grant

Hardeman County is putting new AEDs into the hands of first responders through a ThreeStar grant. County officials say the life-saving devices are already making a difference on emergency calls across the rural county that includes Middleton, Bolivar and Whiteville.

Ambulance Director Rusty Thigpen gave the update during the Hardeman County Commission meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, according to a report from Hatchie Press.

Hardeman County AEDs: First Phase Delivered

Thigpen told commissioners that the first phase of the grant brought in 16 automated external defibrillator units. Another 14 are expected in a second phase, for a total of 30 devices.

• Phase one: 16 AED units received
• Phase two: 14 more units expected
• Placed so far: 15 devices are already with the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office

Putting AEDs in patrol vehicles matters in a county where deputies are often the first to arrive at a medical emergency, especially on back roads far from an ambulance station.

Devices Already Being Used

Thigpen said the new units have been put to work over the past several months. Five of them were used in the last month alone, he told the commission.

An AED is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm of someone in sudden cardiac arrest and, if needed, delivers an electrical shock to help restore a normal rhythm. The devices give spoken instructions, so they can be used by trained responders and bystanders alike while an ambulance is on the way.

The new units also include remote monitoring. When one of the AEDs is opened, Thigpen automatically receives an email alert, which lets him review how and when the device was used and keep the equipment ready for the next call.

Why It Matters in Rural Hardeman County

Mayor Todd Pulse stressed how important it is to have AEDs spread throughout rural Hardeman County, where quick access to life-saving equipment can make a critical difference in the minutes before emergency medical crews arrive.

Others on hand for the announcement included Chief Deputy Ben Davis, Sheriff Antonio Parham and Commissioner Johnny Lanier, according to Hatchie Press.

For residents of Middleton and the surrounding area, the takeaway is simple: in a cardiac emergency, call 911 right away. Responders arriving on scene are increasingly likely to have an AED with them.

Related: Hardeman County Deputy Brittany Morrow Recognized for Quick Response | Bolivar Hospital Marks More Than 50 Years of Care

Source: Hatchie Press