Towns, rec groups receive defibrillators

Towns and community recreation groups in Johnston County
are deploying automated external defibrillators at their ballfields
thanks to the Friends of Johnston County Parks.

 

With help from Friends, some Johnston County towns and community recreation groups are installing automatic external defibrillators at their ballfields.

The Friends of Johnston County Parks have awarded grants to the Town of Pine Level, the McGee’s Crossroads Athletic Association and, jointly, to the Town of Wilson’s Mills and the Clayton Rugby Club.

Pine Level will deploy two AEDs at Sam Godwin Park, one on the U.S. 70-A side, the other on Crescent Street. The McGee’s Crossroads Athletic Association will place its AED at the middle school, though it might move the device to its fields on N.C. 50 when needed. Wilson’s Mills and the Rugby Club will deploy their AED at Phillips R. Wright Community Park.

Josh Holloman is deputy director of Johnston County Emergency Services and a member of the Friends group. “Since joining the Friends in 2023, it has been my goal to help provide AEDs to parks, trails and ballfields,” he said. “I am a lifetime resident of Johnston County and frequent parks, trails and ballfields with my sons.”

Holloman knows that AEDs help save lives in Johnston County. “Recently, a student at North Johnston Middle School was saved because of the quick action of training staff and their use of CPR and the school’s AED,” he said. “Even more recently, a Cleveland High School football player was resuscitated after going into cardiac arrest while playing. All this was due in part to the early access to CPR and an AED.”

Parks, trails and ballfields in Johnston need these lifesaving devices too, Holloman said. “Because of the active nature of people at parks, trails and ballfields, the risk for sudden cardiac arrest is increased for all ages,” he said.

Ted Hardy, president of the Clayton Rugby Football Club, agrees with Holloman. “Having immediate access to lifesaving equipment is critical at any public facility, especially one that hosts youth and adult sports, community gatherings, and large events,” he said.

Hardy said the Club was grateful for its partnership with the town and Friends group. “This AED will provide an added layer of safety, helping ensure players, families, volunteers and spectators have the support they need in an emergency until first responders and EMS arrive,” he said.

Johnston County Emergency Medical Services will train coaches and other volunteers in how to use the AEDs.

The grants require a dollar-for-dollar match from the recipients. An AED, with a secure wall mount, costs about $2,000.

The Friends dollars come from the Winston Family Foundation, which awarded the group $50,000 for various projects. The group plans to award another round of AED grants in the spring.

Page last updated on:  February 13, 2026