Macomb, IL – Macomb's mayor says the city is looking into the possibility of creating an ambulance service.
The idea is being pitched because of this month's fire that destroyed four businesses. The owner of one of those businesses - Jeff Jones - points out firefighters were on rescue calls on opposite sides of town when the fire broke out.
Jones says he has no complaints with the job done by firefighters. But he says if the city intends to be in the rescue business, then it needs to hire plenty of people to do it.
Mayor Mick Wisslead says the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs is now researching the ambulance service idea for the city. Wisslead says the city needs to know whether the idea is feasible and whether it can at least break even.
Jones shared his concerns with the city council on Monday night. You can listen to his comments by clicking on the audio button.
Additional information:
*Wisslead says at one time McDonough District Hospital handled rescue calls and contacted fire personnel if their assistance was required. He says it now seems as though the fire department is always automatically called.
*Wisslead thinks an agreement is in place that spells out when MDH should contact the fire department for assistance. However, no one can find a copy of that agreement.