Board approves Deer Mountain Fire Protection District update to formally include EMS

The Fremont County Board of County Commissioners on a unanimous vote approved a material modification to the Deer Mountain Fire Protection District service plan, formally incorporating emergency medical services into the district’s written authorities.

"The action that we are requesting today is an approval of an updated service plan that formally incorporates emergency medical services into the district's authorized services," said Miriam Andolini, chairwoman of the Deer Mountain Fire Protection District board, as she presented the document to the commissioners.

Fire Chief Marcus Widener said the district has been handling medical calls for years and presented call-volume data to justify the paperwork change. "The district responded to 306 calls last year. Medical related emergencies account for 63% of our call responses," Widener said, adding the district is forecasting roughly 400 calls by year-end — a projected increase of about 30% from 2025.

Andolini told the board the update does not change the service area or day-to-day operations but will align the district’s written governance with services already provided: "This service plan doesn't create a new program or expand any of the services that we provide. It does not change our service area or how we operate day to day."

Commissioner McFaul moved to approve Resolution No. 16, Series of 2026; the motion was seconded and the board voted aye. Commissioners noted the update will improve transparency and help the district and county track budgeting and governance going forward.

The resolution, as adopted, memorializes the district’s historical provision of ambulance and EMS services and directs the district to align its budgeting documents with the newly updated service plan going forward. The board carried the motion; the resolution was adopted.