Florence Rescue Squad Ending Service-1/25/2021

The EMS (Emergency Medical Service) in Florence County has been a volunteer organization for nearly
50 years. The number of EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) across our community and throughout
the state are in short supply. EMTs are required to have extensive training in order to volunteer their
services to their communities. In recent years, local EMS organizations have struggled to get new
volunteers, and to retain current members.
On December 28, 2020, the Florence Rescue Squad informed the Town Chair Person(s) of
Commonwealth, Fence, Fern and Florence that effective March 1st, 2021, they were ending their long
running service. The Florence Rescue Squad had served the Towns of Florence, part of Commonwealth,
Fence and Fern. Under Wisconsin State Statue, EMS services are required to be provided by each Town.
Florence County has always supported our EMS by paying for the costs of insurance, and providing funds
for the purchase of new ambulance vehicles. Florence County will continue to support our local volunteer
EMS organizations. Local towns and EMS officials, along with the Florence Sheriff Dispatch personnel
have met to discuss the closing of Florence EMS, as well as the critical need of EMTs. This ongoing
situation will hopefully will be resolved soon. At this time, all local EMS are in need of EMT volunteers.
If you are interested in helping, please contact County Clerk Donna Trudell at 715-528-3201.