(KAIR)--As discussion continues in Doniphan County regarding the possible establishment of a county wide ambulance district, one rural fire district in the county has moved to outsourcing staff as its director heads toward retirement.
Ken Stewart, of Doniphan County’s Fire District 2, told KQ2-TV a contract has been established with American Medical Response, a nationwide EMS company, with an office in Topeka, to assist with staffing needs.
Stewart, who has spent more than two decades with the County, plans to retire this summer, ending his years of leadership as the study to asses the feasibility of establishing the county wide ambulance district continues.
The Doniphan County Commission in March voted to enter into an agreement with the consulting firm Fitch and Associates, of Platte City, Missouri, to perform the study at a cost not to exceed $13,000.
In April, Eric Tracy, Chairman for the Board of Fire District Number 2 told the Commission the fire district was in immediate need for staff, explaining that on June 1, the Fire District will see a 60-percent reduction in staff.
Stewart told the TV station the matter is a reflection of rural EMS services nationwide, saying that while “it would be great to be back at the local level,” “that’s just not happening in the state of Kansas or nationwide.”
© Many Signals Communications
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