Despite losing all four of the County’s ambulances to repairs, the Tucker County Ambulance Authority continued to provide EMS services to the citizens and visitors of the County. Through the generous help of Randolph County in the form of a loaned ambulance, the County continued to make runs for the citizenry of Tucker County.
In an announcement on Facebook September 5th, the Authority wrote, “It wouldn’t be so bad if it was all on one or two rigs, but 4 at a time is difficult to plan for. Thankfully, we have great partnerships.”
The repairs were all safety equipment related, according to the post including one ambulance that was getting a new engine, another that was having the electric cot and lift system repaired, a third with a blown spark plug head threads and lastly, one with a cracked exhaust manifold.
The statement read, “These are all safety items, so its better that we get them repaired and borrow equipment to safely provide EMS services.”
When contacted for comment, EMS Director Amanda Simmons, was unable to provide additional comment on the subject.
Equipment maintenance costs have been one of the high cost items of discussion between the Authority and the County Commission in regards to the 2% Special Ambulance Fee that is currently being contested in federal court by local businesses Timberline Mountain Operations and Valley Scenic View, LLC.
While a case in Circuit Court was recently dismissed with prejudice, a federal case was filed August 14th in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in Elkins. The fee took effect January 1, 2025.
There was no word on when repairs to the ambulances would be completed.
