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The Post-Journal editorial in the August 17, 2026, edition was right on point concerning the changing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) situation throughout Chautauqua County along with resultant governmental cost implications, including saying "But one thing is clear - we should get used to paying for a service that we used to get for free." The question currently on the table is whether Chautauqua County should increase its payout to provide an additional EMS service for a specific portion of the county. Two aspects about such a payout arise.
First, there is an on-going initiative in Albany about declaring EMS to be an essential governmental service as is police and fire protection among other services. It appears to be just a matter of time until the state legislature takes such an action. When that happens, all governments will have to look differently at funding EMS.
And second, should the county budget additional funds to communities that are not, but could otherwise fund professional EMS service? The county EMS service has been touted as intended to assist/augment service needs in the various communities when they cannot provide the services themselves. Chautauqua Institution, Dunkirk, Fredonia and Jamestown all have stepped up to the plate to fund for EMS in recognition of their greater call volume needs. Lakewood has not done such. Given Lakewood's call volume, should it also step up to the plate and thus not expect the remainder of the county to subsidize its needs?
There is no question that Lakewood, Celoron and Fluvanna are challenged in meeting their urban-natured call volume. Lakewood-Busti established its police department in reflection of greater policing needs as has Ellicott. Lakewood should fund professional EMTs to fill the gaps for the Lakewood Fire Department. Ellicott should fund professional EMTs to fill the gaps for the Celoron and Fluvanna fire departments. Only after this happens should the county consider increasing its assistance support. This is the discussion that needs to be held in Mayville (and Lakewood).
Douglas Conroe is a Maple Springs resident. He is a 54-year active volunteer EMT and in addition currently serves as a volunteer fire chief. He also serves on the Chautauqua County EMS Council and on the NYS Southwestern Regional EMS Council.