Newell appoints Sarah Thompson-Fix as interim ambulance director amid staffing and perception concerns

The Newell City Council appointed Sarah Thompson-Fix as interim Ambulance Director at a special meeting on April 13, 2026, after Mayor Justin Lyman recommended her for a six- to 12-month appointment to help stabilize the volunteer ambulance service.

Mayor Lyman introduced the recommendation, citing Thompson-Fix’s medical background and willingness to serve. The council discussed the possibility of hiring consultants who assist volunteer ambulance services with state compliance and reporting and whether local partners such as BVRMC could provide similar support.

Ambulance crew members in attendance expressed support for Thompson-Fix while raising concern about public perception after what they described as a recent inaccurate newspaper article. The crew members urged positive communication and renewed volunteer recruitment as priorities.

Thompson-Fix said her primary motivation is to keep Newell’s ambulance service operating locally. "My primary motivation is to ensure that Newell maintains its ambulance service," Thompson-Fix said. "Timely local response can be lifesaving." After discussion, Larry Nielsen moved to appoint Thompson-Fix as interim director; Billy Henrich seconded the motion, which carried on a unanimous voice vote.

Council members said they will continue exploring consultant support and potential partnerships to help with state compliance and volunteer recruitment but did not set a firm timeline for those steps during the meeting. The appointment is effective immediately; the council did not record a further vote tally beyond noting "all ayes." The meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m.