In their attempt to obtain ambulance service in DeWitt County, the Clinton Fire Department has the support of their union.

Chris Hoosier, AFSCME Council 31, says he approves of the fire departments bid. He adds with thefire department getting new facilities that could house the ambulances and staff, it only makes sense they should be able to have the service. If the fire department receives the ambulance service, they will be centrally located within Clinton.

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(Hoosier mentions plans for a new fire station; there are no plans for a new fire station, confirmed by Clinton City officials.)

Hoosier adds this will give Clinton residents a service they have never had before and will up the level of safety in the city. The Clinton Fire Department already has a strong communication system needed for the EMS system to work. Hoosier believes it is a mistake if the city council does not approve of the idea of an EMS in Clinton.

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Lisa Brenner, President of AFSCME Local #3329, the representative bargaining unit of the DJWH, fully approves of the idea saying it is the Council's duty to provide services such as EMS. She points out the police, hospital and fire department all work hand in hand, and it would be seamless for the ambulances to transfer from the hospital to the fire department.

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Clinton Fire Chief Sean Milton has proposed the idea of the Clinton Fire Department taking over EMS services in DeWitt County, and is currently working on a full fledge proposal for the Clinton City Council. The proposal will also have to go through the DeWitt County Ambulance Advisory Committee.  

Both the Council and Committee have set the due date for Monday, Aug. 13.