By By Arthur McLean
Pending approval from state regulatory agencies, there will be a new ambulance service in Atmore.
Joey Kelley, and his nephew Glenn Kelley, plan to begin operating Kelley's Ambulance in Escambia County by the end of the year.
Joey Kelley put forward his plan at Monday's city council meeting, and his request for a permit was approved pending approval from state regulatory bodies.
Mayor Howard Shell said the city only requires proof of liability insurance and the state handles the medical approvals. "It's like any other business that wants to open in town," Shell said. "Our ordinances only require the insurance coverage and state approval."
Councilman John Garrard abstained from voting. "This has come as a shock to me," he said, asking Kelley if he had talked to the other council members but failed to contact Garrard.
Garrard said he was close to the Stills, owners of Atmore Ambulance, but he was also fond of Kelley. Garrard's request for a workshop of some kind before approving Kelley's license went without backing from the rest of the council.
Kelley said his ultimate aim in starting a second ambulance service in town was to increase the care available to residents and lower response times by having more ambulances available in the area at any given time.
Kelley plans to operate two ambulances, each with a crew of two on board, and plans to follow fire calls and other calls as part of standard procedure. Kelley's will also perform patient transfers and other ambulance-related service.
The service will be headquartered at 212 N. Main St. The building is currently undergoing renovations to provide bunk space for the ambulance crews, a teaching area for schools and businesses for CPR and other classes, a recreational area and garage space for the ambulances.
Kelley said the service would receive its licensing inspection Nov. 29. In instances where public safety dispatchers must call an ambulance, Kelley's and Atmore Ambulance will be on a rotating list.
Glenn Kelley, who has 16 years of experience as a paramedic, will manage the service for Joey Kelley.
"Ultimately, we want this to be the pride of the city," Joey Kelley said. "This has been two years in the making, and I feel the residents of this area will be well served."
In other business, the council:
Reappointed Jane Corman to the Atmore Public Library board of directors.
Heard a presentation from FEMA representatives. More than 9,600 people have applied for FEMA assistance in Escambia County. The Atmore Disaster Recovery Center is expected to stay open until at least January 2005.
Announced a flood workshop for Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. Flood mitigation officials, federal flood officials and the city's civil engineers will be on hand to discuss progress and continued flooding issues.