ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) — After years of planning, public hearings and negotiations, Allen County leaders have approved the final steps to create a unified Fire and EMS district, a move officials say will improve emergency response times, expand access to firefighters and paramedics, and create a more consistent level of service across the county.
The Allen County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved two ordinances Friday morning, officially renaming the Northeast Allen County Fire Protection District as the Allen County Fire and EMS District and consolidating multiple fire agencies into one countywide system.
The new district is expected to officially begin operations on Jan. 1, 2027.
Why county leaders say change was needed
Officials say the consolidation is designed to address growing challenges facing emergency services, including declining volunteer firefighter numbers, inconsistent staffing levels and long ambulance response times in some parts of Allen County…