Concerns over emergency medical services dominated the Allegany County Commissioners Public Meeting on December 19, 2024, as local officials and residents voiced urgent calls for action to restore ambulance services in the area.

Mayor Craig highlighted the critical situation, noting that for the first time in 47 years, the community would face winter without an ambulance service. He emphasized the life-threatening implications of delayed emergency response times, particularly on treacherous roads. "People's lives are at stake," he warned, urging the commissioners to expedite repairs on the existing rescue squad building to ensure timely medical assistance.

The meeting saw multiple residents share personal stories underscoring the urgency of the issue. Donald Green recounted a harrowing experience when his wife exhibited heart attack symptoms, leading to a distressing wait for an ambulance that took over 16 minutes to arrive. "The next person may not be lucky," he cautioned, imploring officials to prioritize the restoration of services.

Jeff Metz, representing a local nursing home, echoed these sentiments, stressing the reliance on efficient EMS for the facility's residents. He reported instances of wait times nearing 40 minutes, which he described as unacceptable for vulnerable patients.

In addition to the EMS discussions, residents raised concerns about rising water bills, attributing the increases to rate hikes from the city of Cumberland. Questions were posed about the fairness of the billing system, particularly for smaller communities like Mexico Farms, which have seen significant rate increases despite reduced water usage.

As the meeting concluded, Commissioner Byrd reassured attendees that the ambulance service issue would be addressed, stating, "This isn't one of those things we can say can't be resolved." He committed to keeping communication open and working towards a solution, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among local officials.

The meeting highlighted a community united in its demand for reliable emergency services, with officials promising to take the necessary steps to restore vital medical support before the winter season intensifies.