EMS Services Advised To Cease Service To Woodbury and Auburntown Overruled

The residents of the town of Woodbury and city of Auburntown were dealt a brief scare early Monday evening when Cannon County Executive Assistant and current interim ambulance director Abbie Howell advised the employees of the county ambulance service that the Cannon County Ambulance Service follow the law in regards to a interlocal agreement with both the town of Woodbury and the city of Auburntown. As a result Howell suggested the ambulance not respond to calls from residents in both areas until an interlocal agreement is in place and on file.
Howell did say though if a true ethical situation comes about for the ambulance service to make the right decision.
The TCA code cited by Howell states in part that no county may provide and maintain. license, franchise, or contract for ambulance service outside its corporate boundaries, without the approval of the governing body of the area to be served.
Cannon County EMA Director Roy Sullivan immediately made contact with both Mayor Roger Turney of Auburntown and Mayor Andy Duggin of Woodbury for a written response to maintain EMS service to all citizens within their city and town limits.
In addition, there is full support from the State of Tennessee to maintain service as well.
Sullivan concluded by stating, "In my duty and my responsibility of the 911 Director for all of Cannon County, we WILL dispatch all 911 EMS calls we receive to the County Ambulance EMS service for a response and they will respond to all calls regardless of area."
More details are expected to follow during tonight's Ambulance Authority meeting.
A new interim ambulance director is expected to be named which will relieve Howell of his duties.