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). This decision, announced by the district’s three-member board, ends a 75-year partnership and means the volunteer-based squad will no longer respond to emergency calls or transport patients in Antioch Township after May. In a letter to the ARS governing board, the fire district stated that it is time to explore new options for EMS delivery. Instead of relying on the ARS, the district will transition to using the Antioch Fire Department as the primary provider once the current contract expires on May 9. Fire Chief John Nixon assured residents that there would be no disruption in service during the transition. ARS Chief Brian DeKind expressed his disappointment, noting that the squad had served the community since 1940. “After 75 years of service, we will no longer provide emergency ambulance care in Antioch,” he said. The decision leaves the ARS facing an uncertain future, either shifting focus to non-emergency services or potentially dissolving altogether. The ARS plans to meet later this week to discuss alternatives, including home health care and wellness checks. DeKind emphasized that the squad had always operated without imposing a tax burden on residents, funding operations through donations and memorials. It also purchased all its own equipment and supplies at no cost to taxpayers. However, the ARS has faced significant challenges over the years. In 2012, a sexual harassment lawsuit led to an Illinois Department of Public Health investigation, which uncovered serious issues, including patient mistreatment, improper medication use, and employees working under the influence of alcohol. The department fined the squad and required operational changes. Additionally, former treasurer John Edgell was charged with stealing more than $10,000 from the organization. He pleaded guilty and repaid $25,000. These incidents led to leadership changes, including the retirement of former chief Wayne Sobczak and the resignation of former president Steve Smouse. A year earlier, the village of Antioch had also ended its contract with the ARS, leading to the fire department taking over ambulance services in the village. Since then, the ARS has been handling emergencies in the township, but now both the village and township are moving toward a unified EMS system under the fire department. DeKind explained that the ARS lost 50% of its revenue when it lost the village contract and had sought financial support from the fire district. However, the decision to end the partnership has left the squad struggling to remain viable. The First Fire Protection District and the village of Antioch are now working on establishing an EMS tax levy, which will be voted on by residents in November 2014. The goal is to create a more centralized and sustainable model for emergency services in the area. Despite the challenges, DeKind remains committed to serving the community in some capacity, whether through private contracts or alternative programs. “We want to continue to serve the community,” he said.

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