Pictured from left are current Liscomb EMS members Melissa Olson, Mike Thomas, Terry Strang, Jordan Hoy, Ben Olson and Junior Pursha. The group is standing in front of the ambulance that was purchased in August of 2016 after the squad was re-organized and revived.

TIMES-REPUBLICAN

LISCOMB — According to one of its members, the Liscomb EMS squad used to be at the blunt end of the laughing spectrum. But now with the growing department and leadership, the squad is making its mark, and people are noticing.

“There are now six members on this department and a few others in the community have shown interest and positive support. The City of Liscomb and the township trustees have given their upmost support and backing for the service,” said EMS member Jordan Hoy. “Without their help and support we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Hoy added that with the funds raised and the city’s assistance, Liscomb EMS was able to purchase a 2008 F-450 wheeled coach Type 3 ambulance in August of 2016, to replace its old 1984 Ford Econoline ambulance.

The Liscomb EMS squad is a 100 percent volunteer (non-transport) department in northern Marshall County. It serves the 300 residents living in the city of Liscomb, the city of Bangor and all of the rural residents residing in the Liscomb Fire District. The squad also provides mutual aid to other parts of the county including Albion and Green Mountain areas.

Hoy noted that the call volume for medical calls for Liscomb is approximately 60 calls a year. Like most other EMS departments, Hoy said Liscomb has been struggling for members for quite a few years.

“For several years we have only had two members on the squad, and had to combine forces with Albion and dual page every 9-1-1 call to make sure there was enough responders between the two to make it to a call,” Hoy said. “It is difficult to find members in small towns to provide EMS and fire services only as a volunteer, because, who wants to dedicate the time it takes to operate a small department for little or no pay.”

According to Hoy, within the last two years Liscomb has built up the EMS department and has become a functioning service that provides exceptional care to the residents of the area. The squad members have been more involved in the community by holding an annual pork supper in July to help raise funds for new equipment and supplies.

The current officers include: Junior Prusha, chief; Jordan Hoy, second captain/training officer; and Ben Olson, secretary/treasurer

“The whole organizational structure has changed and has been updated to fit the current needs of a growing department,” Hoy said.