Potter Awarded Keno Funds for Ambulance

When an ambulance is called, the expectation is someone is needs a timely and professional response. The need for on-site medical care moved to ambulances informally called mobile emergency rooms. With the change of need came the change of response.

That is what inspired the Potter Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new ambulance, a unit capable of rougher terrain and taking care of patients.

Mark Onstott, Fire Chief for the Potter Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, met with the Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners on July 5 regarding an application for Keno funds. The funds would be used to pay off some of the debt taken on to purchase the ambulance.

Onstott said the department purchased a four-wheel-drive 2021 Ford F550 ambulance to replace an 18-year-old two-wheel-drive model.

"It allows much more accessibility," Onstott said. "What we want to do is be as self-sufficient as possible."

The ambulance was purchased at a cost of $230,000. The new ambulance includes a "stair-chair," and an electric lift assist cot. The stair-chair is used to help first responders getting a patient out of a house, through tight spaces or up and down stairs. The devices are used for the safety of the patient and the first responders, according to Onstott.

Onstott said in a letter dated June 21 that "the Potter Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) is a completely volunteer fire and rescue team currently made up of 24 members, four of which are Paramedics/EMTs/RNs."

He added the department's main objectives are protection of lives and property through fire suppression, emergency medical and transportation services, disaster management, fire prevention and public education. He added the department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety for the Potter community and surrounding area possible.

The PVFD averages more than 100 calls for service annually, averaging more than 5,000 volunteers hours that include training, community service, meetings and work detail.

Onstott and the PVFD requested $25,000 in Keno funds.

"I can't think of a better way to invest in the betterment of the community," said commissioner Phil Sanders.

Sanders said he is a resident of the Potter community but would have supported the same proposal from any other county fire department.