Recent comments on social media related to Tucker County EMS and the proposed Emergency Services Support Facility are based on misinformation and rumors. This letter is intended to set the record straight.
The Emergency Services Support Facility is a project that’s been under consideration by the Tucker County Building Commission, Tucker County Commission, and Ambulance Authority Board for years; it evolved into what was in the Advocate last week. Much thought, research, and planning by the all-volunteer Building Commission went into a proposal that benefits everyone who lives or visits Tucker County.
Three years ago the Ambulance Authority Board renewed a rental agreement for EMS at Cortland Acres with an understanding the County Commission would pursue development of an emergency services facility in the county’s Eastern end. The current building does not comply with state requirements. Our County is 420 square miles with two distinctive topographies and climates. Unlike most counties, Tucker County has no hospital or 24-hr. urgent care facility. The need for a second emergency facility, especially during the winter months, is obvious; the location on property owned by the county in Davis is great for servicing the Eastern portion of Tucker County.
The facility will house EMS Station II, but will provide a satellite capability for our Office of Emergency Management, Sheriff’s department, 911, WV state police. It will have the capability of supporting a mobile command center should the need arise (the Flood of 1985 or Super Storm Sandy). It will provide rest room and concession facilities for Davis Ball Field and Boulder Park.
Funding is totally independent of EMS; your $50 EMS fee is deposited into the County EMS Fund; upon request to the Clerk and Commission funds are transferred to the Operating Account “ to pay reasonable and necessary expenses…”. No EMS funds from any source are used for this project. The funding for this project is derived from the county stabilization fund; a line item that is intended for projects such as these.
County commissioners, leaders and volunteer members of all our county boards and committees have one common goal; to improve the quality of life for our neighbors and visitors – that’s what we work toward daily. Providing EMS service is a responsibility of county government. Employees and volunteers work many hours, many under conditions most of us would reject, to assure that our neighbors and visitors have EMS available at a moments notice.
Social media is a powerful tool. Comments made should be for the good of the public and based on fact. Insults and general statements based on personal opinion get a lot of attention but do not serve a useful purpose and don’t reflect positively on the source.
Volunteers are always needed; if you possess the experience and knowledge in a particular area or field, and have a desire to contribute to the betterment of Tucker County, please volunteer.
Thank you,