Pursuant to its decision on December 6, 2024, the Allen County Board of Commissioners today submitted a letter to the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority Board of Directors communicating its intent to withdraw.
News release from the Allen County Board of Commissioners:
Commissioners Submit Letter of Intent Regarding Interlocal Cooperative Agreement
Fort Wayne, Indiana, (December 11, 2024) – Pursuant to its decision on December 6, 2024, to withdraw from the Three Rivers Emergency Medical Services Interlocal Cooperation Agreement, the Allen County Board of Commissioners today submitted a letter to the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority Board of Directors communicating its intent. Thirty (30) days from the date of the written announcement is when the withdrawal will be effective, which is January 10, 2025.
This decision is the conclusion of a lengthy inquiry into the effectiveness and expected longevity of the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority (TRAA) public utility model structure. The Board of Commissioners, among many others, believes that TRAA has an unsustainable financial model and has, therefore, been instrumental in creating a group of several Fire Protection Districts to serve unincorporated Allen County residents. Following Allen County’s withdrawal from the Interlocal Agreement, TRAA will continue to provide EMS services within the City of Fort Wayne. This was made clear by City of Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker at the Commissioners’ public meeting on December 6.
Robert Boren, Fire Chief of Northwest Allen County Fire District and President of the Allen County Fire Chiefs Association, also highlighted that the County’s exit from the Interlocal Agreement will not cause emergency medical service disruptions for City or County residents. TRAA is not being eliminated; the City of Fort Wayne will continue to operate under the Interlocal Agreement and will be positioned to make appropriate decisions for its jurisdiction.
In unincorporated Allen County, a combination of Fire Districts, Townships, and the East Central Fire/EMS Protection Territory will ensure that residents’ emergency services needs are met.