Saturday, December 20th, 2025
Mercer EMS accepts two new ambulances
By Abigail Miller
Submitted Photo
Mercer County EMS welcomed the delivery of two new ambulances earlier this month from Ohio-based dealership Atlantic Emergency Solutions.
CELINA - Fueled by federal grant funding and agency revenue, the Mercer County Joint Ambulance District has added two new ambulances to replace aging units that served the county for a combined 56 years.
Mercer County EMS welcomed the delivery of two Horton F-550 4x4 Type I ambulances earlier this month from Ohio-based dealership Atlantic Emergency Solutions.
Each new cherry red ambulance cost the agency $319,242, one of which was funded by the county commissioners with American Rescue Plan Act funds, and the other using revenue generated from patient transports, said Mercer County EMS Director Kara Smith.
"It is also important for the public to understand that the cost of an ambulance reflects only the vehicle itself. Essential lifesaving equipment is purchased separately and represents a significant additional investment," she said. "For example, cardiac monitors typically cost around $50,000, and powered stretchers are approximately $70,000."
Though both ambulances were delivered, Smith said they still require a few final modifications before being placed into full service.
"One unit will be assigned to Celina Fire Department as Squad 1, replacing a 2010 ambulance that was itself a remounted unit from a 1995 chassis," she said. "A remount refers to the process of transferring the patient care module, or 'box,' onto a newer vehicle chassis. The second ambulance, Squad 7, will be stationed at Coldwater EMS, where it will replace a 1999 ambulance. Together these outgoing ambulances have served Mercer County for 56 years."
The new ambulances were greatly needed by Mercer County EMS due to the age of its existing fleet. As well, the new units are equipped with enhanced safety features and improved ventilation systems, which Smith said will increase safety for EMS personnel and provide a more comfortable environment for patients.
"The 2010 ambulance previously in service has been transferred to the Mercer County Sheriff's Office, where it will continue to serve the community in a different capacity, while the 1999 ambulance is being retired from service," she said.
Mercer County EMS maintains a total of eight ambulances: four in Celina, two in Coldwater and two in Rockford.
In addition, Smith said the agency utilizes three chase vehicles for paramedic response-one Chevrolet Tahoe and two Ford Explorers.
"The Ford Explorers were retired from the Mercer County Sheriff's Office and repurposed to meet the operational needs of EMS," she said.
The new equipment, along with last year's formation of the Joint Ambulance District and the passage of the county EMS levy have had a very positive impact on the operations of the county agency, Smith said.
The Mercer County Joint Ambulance District was formed in July of 2024 by ten of the county's 14 townships and the municipalities of Coldwater, Rockford, Mendon, Montezuma and Celina. The district has stations manned by volunteers in Rockford and Coldwater. Celina has paid firefighters/EMS personnel in addition to volunteers.
It was formed to ease the burden of the undermanned, chronically-strained county EMS system, a 911-based organization providing emergency service to parts of the county.
Its formation allowed for the eventual passage an additional five-year, 1-mill property tax levy to provide for on-call pay for six volunteers - three at the Coldwater EMS branch and three at the Rockford EMS branch. Volunteers would earn $5 for every hour they're on call.
The levy generates $1.18 million annually and cost the owner of a $100,000 home $35 per year. It commenced in 2024 and began collection during the spring of 2025.
"These changes have enabled the agency to implement several important improvements, including providing volunteer departments with a $5 per hour on-call stipend, increasing staffing levels at the Celina Fire Department and hiring chase paramedics," Smith said. "Early operational data indicates that these initiatives are working as intended and were clearly needed. We are grateful for the community's support and remain committed to delivering high-quality, professional emergency medical care to the residents of Mercer County."
Looking to the future, Smith said the agency anticipates ordering an additional ambulance in 2026.
"Current production timelines for ambulances now approach three years, and costs are expected to increase to approximately $388,000 per unit. This purchase would be funded through revenue generated from patient transports," she said. "These tools are critical to providing safe, effective care for both patients and EMS personnel. Once again, we would like to thank the community for their continued support."
