Prior to 2014 when First Responders were needed, ambulance dispatchers had a Rolodex with names in it. Each person was called on the phone and if not available, moved to the next person on the list. This was done while 911 calls were coming in and the dispatcher was continuing radio traffic with ambulance crews.
Then one evening, the Fire Chiefs from the Bolckow Fire Department, Fillmore Fire Department, and Rosendale Fire Departments along with the Ambulance Administrator sat down to find a better way. This was when the First Responder Program in Andrew County really took shape.
Today when First Responders are needed in the north part of the county in those 3 fire department coverage areas, the only things crews and dispatchers have to do is set off fire tones and First Responders are alerted and respond to the call.
Fire Department First Responders follow the guidelines set up by their fire departments. Currently, there are 3 Andrew County Fire Departments that participate in the program.