The county’s EMS station is located at 32765 Clover Drive just off U.S. Highway 169 south of Paola, and the 22-year-old building has a variety of ongoing issues.  

In 2012, commissioners first discussed a number of ongoing problems, such as trouble with the septic system, bathroom fungus, stucco and garage door issues, roof gutter discharge, misaligned doors, landscaping and drainage concerns, heaving floors and an overall lack of space.

Currently, male EMS staff members sleep four to a room, which measures approximately 13 feet by 13 feet. Female staffers sleep three to a room in bedrooms with the same amount of space.

The American Legion property is at 118 South Jensen Road and it would be used for the new location of Fire Station Four.

Some residents are concerned about the impact that relocating the Number Four station to this location could have. 

The committee started looking for a new truck about a year and a half ago. The 2008 Pierce was last used by the Chester Fire Department in Orange County.  

The cost, $339,000, was paid for by a material equipment fund in the village budget, which builds up each year until the department needs it. Nieskes said the department hoped to buy a new truck, but it had to use $138,000 from the equipment fund two years ago for new air packs because the department did not get a grant.

Over the years, the amphibious Ford changed hands and eventually fell on hard times. That is, until the Southern Oregon Historical Society (SOHS) took it on as something of a special "all-volunteer" project. With many hours, donations, and elbow-grease, the fire engine is back in working order.  

Now, according to SOHS, the amphibious fire engine will be proudly on display at the Ashland Fourth of July Parade. After the parade, the engine will be parked on Ashland Plaza. The public will be welcome to climb inside the engine and try out all the antique bells and whistles.