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Storey County fire district authorized to pursue helicopter medevac and firefighting partnership with REACH
Summary
The Story County Fire Protection District got board approval to pursue a partnership with Global Medical Response/REACH to station a dual-purpose helicopter for medevac and aerial firefighting; staff was authorized to identify a secure site and return with a final contract.
The Storey County Fire Protection District was authorized on July 15 to pursue a partnership with Global Medical Response's REACH air medical services to base a dual-purpose helicopter serving medevac and fire-suppression roles in the county.
Jeremy Longcard, fire chief for the district, introduced representatives from REACH. Stacy Ingram, regional director for Reach Air Medical Services, said the company has a helicopter being retrofitted for both medical evacuation and bucket-equipped wildland firefighting and would staff it 24/7 when operational. "We do staff this 24/7, 3 65," Ingram said, adding the company would not seek county funding and would assume aircraft liability and costs.
Commissioners and fire officials discussed siting options. REACH said a near-term base at SPARC Station 5 in the Sparks area would shorten launch times; Longcard and REACH representatives said a long-term site in Storey County nearer the USA Parkway corridor would be preferable for rapid response. The board authorized the fire district to pursue the partnership and directed staff to identify a secure location for aircraft placement and return with a final contract for board review and possible approval.
The motion, moved by Fire Commissioner Mitchell and seconded, passed unanimously. Commissioners noted the arrangement could expand local medevac capacity and provide aerial assets for wildland incidents, while REACH said it would supply trained flight medical crews and pilots. The board did not approve a final contract; staff will report back once site logistics and a draft agreement are complete.
