Adams County EMS to stop covering Eagle Township as regional district takes over; commissioners approve hiring and accept resignation

Adams County Emergency Medical Services informed the Board of Commissioners on Dec. 22, 2025, that Eastern Joint Fire and EMS District will begin providing EMS coverage to Eagle Township (Brown County) effective Jan. 1, 2026; Adams County EMS will cease covering that township. Adams County EMS Chief Dusty McCleese presented the operational update during the meeting at the Government Center.

Chief McCleese reported 74 runs for the period and discussed personnel and pending salary certification matters. The board approved the resignation of part-time basic EMT Collen Kim, effective Dec. 16, 2025 (Resolution No. 2025-538). The commissioners also approved hiring Christopher Crocker as a full‑time paramedic at $19.00 per hour (Resolution No. 2025-539). Both personnel actions passed on recorded roll calls (Barbara Moore Holt, absent; Kelly Jones, aye; Jason Hayslip, aye).

Commissioners reviewed but did not approve proposed raises, citing the county's broader decision to keep the 2026 budget level with 2025 because of lower projected revenues. The board instructed departments to provide justification prior to any future cash-transfer or pay-increase requests.

The personnel moves and the change in coverage shift local EMS responsibility for Eagle Township to the Eastern Joint Fire and EMS District starting Jan. 1, 2026. The commissioners recorded the actions and adjourned after discussing other agenda items.