News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Clay County will now operate the ambulance service with all ambulances and many of the city’s former workers already back in place.
With the help of the state, Clay County Mayor Dale Reagan declared a state of emergency Tuesday to facilitate the transfer from the City of Celina. He said as of 6 p.m. Tuesday, the county has two ambulances fully outfitted and crews ready to run calls.
“We can’t be without an Emergency Medical Service when it comes to our ambulance and stuff, so we’re proud,” Reagan said. “And I know it’s been two days here, but to me, it seems like an eternity. ”
Reagan said he has served five terms and the city has operated the ambulance service that whole time. He said as of now, it will be a permanent fixture in the county’s operations.
Reagan said he had met with Celina Mayor Luke Collins. Reagan said Collins understands the safety of the citizens comes first and has been very cooperative.
“And he felt like that this was something that if the county was ready to take it back, he was ready to submit that back over to the county,” Reagan said. “And I really do appreciate his efforts.”
Reagan said the next steps will be getting everybody back in and situated. He said the other important step will be switching the licensure and Medicare numbers from the city to the county. Reagan said the state has agreed to help that process as well.
“Again I want to thank the state for working with us and helping us, the county attorney, the county commission, the city,” Reagan said. “And especially want to thank the outstanding staff of the EMS for all of them coming back and getting back on board and I appreciate them so very much. And all of our surrounding counties (…) I can never say enough about them because they stepped up to the plate and they were bringing units to the county line and helping us as they could.”
