Commissioner Kyler details Fire & EMS expansion, technology upgrades and staffing

Commissioner Kenny Kyler used his State of the County remarks to outline recent investments and operational changes in the county’s Department of Fire and EMS.

Kyler said the county’s transition to a hybrid model (career staff plus volunteers) has required increased funding and coordination with volunteer fire companies. He reported county Fire & EMS funding rose from roughly $14,000,000 previously to about $35,000,000, including $5,000,000 allocated to the volunteer‑representative entity mentioned in his remarks. "We are fully staffed at 228 people with 236 positions and an ongoing hiring process," Kyler said.

Kyler also detailed technology and clinical changes meant to improve survival in time‑sensitive emergencies. He said the county added field ultrasound units and upgraded cardiac monitoring systems to allow advanced EKG interpretation and transmission to regional cardiac centers. "Most importantly, we began to carry refrigerated whole blood on our EMS supervisor units, which allow us to immediately blood transfusions... This process was just implemented in May and has directly saved at least 12 lives in Carroll County," he said.

Kyler said the Emergency Services Advisory Council will meet on Feb. 12 to review accomplishments and outline budget requests, including staffing, apparatus replacement and volunteer funding. He urged the public and stakeholders to engage with the council’s work as the county balances hybrid staffing needs with volunteer support.

The figures and operational details were presented by the commissioner; the transcript does not include a roll‑call vote or formal budget appropriation recorded at the event. County staff will provide follow‑up materials and the council’s Feb. 12 update was listed as the next procedural step.