The city of Hastings is one step closer in fully taking over emergency services for Adams County after approving $130,000 in medical equipment Monday night.
It was a bitter sweet transition, said officials, because it is one that does not include RuralMetro. Monday night's approval came on the heels of RuralMetro's announcement they were leaving Hastings and ultimately many of their employees on March 1st, 2012.
That leaves the city of Hastings less than two months to get their entire emergency response up and running. Three used, but new to town ambulances are now parked at the fire station, one more brand new 4-wheel-drive has yet to come.
The ambulances and emergency services will be managed by the new paramedic/firefighter staff of seven hired by the city of Hastings.
Unfortunately, said Patterson, with RuralMetro leaving the area, they will also be leaving behind much of their staff.
Hastings officials said they're are ready and waiting for March 1st to start services, they will be utilizing Midwest Medical as their back up. Patterson called it a mutual aid relationship, one that they had hoped to have with RuralMetro.
