Antioch First Fire District not renewing with Antioch Rescue Squad

The *Daily Herald* reported that the First Fire Protection District of Antioch has decided not to renew its contract with the Antioch Rescue Squad (ARS) for emergency medical services (EMS), marking the end of a 75-year partnership. The decision, announced by the district’s governing board, means ARS will no longer respond to emergency calls or transport patients in Antioch Township after May 9. In a letter sent to the ARS board, the fire district stated that it is time to explore new options for EMS delivery, and will instead rely on the Antioch Fire Department to handle such services moving forward. The move aims to streamline operations under one unified command, according to the fire district. ARS Chief Brian DeKind expressed his disappointment, noting that the squad had served the community for decades without placing a financial burden on taxpayers. “After 75 years of service, we won’t be providing emergency ambulance care in Antioch anymore,” he said. The rescue squad now faces an uncertain future. While members are scheduled to meet to discuss alternatives, such as home health care and wellness checks, DeKind admitted that the organization may have to dissolve or shift to private services. “We want to continue serving the community, but the more realistic approach is either to close or find a new way to help people.” The ARS has faced significant challenges over the years. In 2012, a sexual harassment lawsuit led to an Illinois Department of Public Health investigation that uncovered serious misconduct, including patient mistreatment, improper medication use, and paramedics working under the influence of alcohol. A former treasurer was later convicted of stealing over $10,000 from the organization, and several key leaders resigned due to the growing crisis. A year earlier, the village of Antioch had also terminated its contract with ARS, leading to the fire department taking over ambulance services in the village. Now, the township is following suit, with the fire department assuming full responsibility for EMS in both areas. Fire Chief John Nixon assured residents that there would be no disruption in service. “All of our ambulances will serve both the village and unincorporated areas, and we’re committed to maintaining high-quality care,” he said. Looking ahead, the fire district and village are pushing for a consolidated EMS model funded through a separate tax levy, which will be voted on by residents in November 2014. As the ARS prepares for this transition, its members remain hopeful that they can still find a meaningful role in the community, even if it means operating differently than in the past.

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