FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — A growing dispute between the Allen County Board of Commissioners and the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority (TRAA) over emergency medical dispatch (EMD) services escalated Thursday, with county leaders accusing TRAA of “extortion” and announcing plans to pursue legal action.
At a press conference held at the Rousseau Centre, commissioners said they received a demand letter from TRAA requiring the county to agree to one of three payment options later this month or face suspension of EMD services for 911 calls originating in unincorporated Allen County. Commissioners said TRAA also warned of a potential $150 per-call charge if no agreement is reached.
TRAA’s proposed payment options included:
- $1.6 million for a one-year contract
- $800,000 per year for a two-year contract
- $400,000 per year for a three-year contract, with an additional $200,000 fee for the remainder of 2025
Despite the dispute, commissioners emphasized that all 911 calls will continue to be answered and that first responders will still be dispatched throughout Allen County. EMD services provide an additional layer of care by keeping callers on the line, providing support and pre-arrival instructions to assist patients until first responders arrive. EMD professionals are employed by TRAA…