Anna Rescue Squad Awarded Northern Shelby County EMS Contract

The Northern Shelby County Joint Ambulance District has unanimously selected Anna Rescue Squad to continue providing emergency medical services across the district.

The district includes the villages of Anna, Botkins and Jackson Center, along with Dinsmore, Franklin and Jackson townships. It was formed to streamline ambulance funding and improve cooperation among the participating communities.

The district requested proposals in July and received bids from Anna Rescue Squad and Spirit EMS. Anna’s proposal listed a first-year cost of $795,000, compared with $900,000 from Spirit EMS. Anna’s proposal also remained less expensive throughout the five-year contract period.

Residents filled the Jackson Center Council Chambers and spoke in support of Anna Rescue for approximately 45 minutes before the board voted.

Board members said the bidding process followed concerns involving communication, reporting and response times. Officials expect those areas to improve under the new agreement.

Anna Rescue has served Franklin and Dinsmore townships for more than 58 years and Jackson Township for the past 12 years.

The squad currently has 25 members who generally cover daytime weekday hours and some weekend shifts. When the new contract begins January 1, Anna Rescue intends to have two crew members available at all times as it transitions from a volunteer-based operation to a full-time department.

The district’s 2.7-mill ambulance levy was approved by voters May 5 by a vote of 759 to 692. The levy is expected to generate approximately $971,080 annually for ambulance and emergency medical services.

Anna Rescue also purchased property in 2023 for a future station along County Road 25A near Amsterdam Road. The location is expected to place the squad closer to the center of the ambulance district.

Spirit EMS congratulated Anna Rescue following the decision and indicated it would remain available to provide assistance if needed.

The five-year agreement takes effect January 1, 2027.