TRAVERSE CITY— City commissioners will receive an update Monday on the fire department’s progress toward launching primary emergency transportation services, a project approved by voters more than two years ago.
The study session, scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 26, will feature a presentation from EMS Administrator Kathryn Dunklow on the status of the primary transport initiative, according to city documents.
In November 2023, Traverse City voters approved a 20-year millage to fund emergency transportation services provided by the fire department. The city anticipates the service will be fully operational by summer 2026.
Since the project launched in July 2024, the city has added two new ambulances, hired an EMS administrator and increased its licensed firefighter-paramedic staff. The department currently has 17 licensed firefighter-paramedics on staff and expects two additional personnel to graduate from paramedic training in March.
City Manager Benjamin Marentette praised the City Commission’s December approval of a collective bargaining agreement for firefighters, saying it has already helped fill critical positions.
Until the new service launches in July, Traverse City will continue its current EMS model through MMR, according to project documents.