Fort Wayne City Council members Michelle Chambers, Scott Myers, Russ Jehl, Rohli Booker and Council President Geoff Paddock have released the following joint statement in response to the Allen County Commissioners’ recent public criticism of the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority.
Fort Wayne, Indiana (December 18, 2025) — “We stand united in support of the leadership of City of Fort Wayne, TRAA management and staff, and the critical emergency medical services that protect all residents every day.
TRAA has served the community for decades with professionalism and integrity, continuing to provide dispatch services for unincorporated areas of Allen County after the County’s withdrawal from the interlocal agreement. That service has continued without compensation since the County withdrew support of TRAA, based on good faith efforts and a clear understanding that a new agreement would be reached.
TRAA gave appropriate 90-day notice of service termination, giving the County has had ample time to secure a contract with TRAA for these necessary services. Let’s be clear: TRAA cannot legally or financially be expected to provide free services indefinitely. Under Indiana law, County Fire Districts and Commissioners are responsible for ensuring Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) services are provided. This is a lifesaving, non-discretionary public function and is disingenuous to be a point of negotiation.
The City of Fort Wayne and TRAA have done its parts to avoid disruption in service. It is now incumbent upon the Allen County Commissioners to act in good faith, finalize a service agreement, and meet their obligation to the public.
Public safety must come before politics.”
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