ACFD In The News

JULY 24, 2026

 East Central Fire & EMS has presented seven Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to the New Haven Police Department to equip frontline patrol vehicles. Because police officers are frequently the first to arrive at an emergency scene, placing AEDs directly in patrol cars ensures rapid, lifesaving intervention during sudden cardiac events when every second counts.

This public safety initiative was made possible through strong community support and generous contributions from local partners, including 1st Due Communications, Holler Tax & Accounting, Ehle Services, Bars Inc., 3 Pals Pub, Challenge Tool, Home Lumber, and Koesters. Together, East Central Fire & EMS and the New Haven Police Department remain dedicated to improving emergency response capabilities and protecting the community.

JULY 17, 2026

Excerpt from Editorial:  

“Consolidation ... is not a threat to Allen County’s way of life,” we wrote in a Feb. 25 editorial. That was around the time the county’s fire districts were hosting public meetings seeking public input on topic at the Memorial Coliseum."

 "A modern county with 130,000 residents spread across 550 square miles cannot be adequately protected by a system designed for the county as it existed decades ago."

Read entire Editorial here

JULY 17, 2026

HISTORIC STEP FORWARD: Allen County Fire & EMS District Officially Created
We are thrilled to share that this morning, the Allen County Commissioners officially voted to establish the unified Allen County Fire and EMS District!

This historic decision marks the beginning of a new era for emergency services in our region. By consolidating resources, streamlining administration, and unifying our operations, this new district will provide enhanced, high-tier fire protection and life-saving medical response across our communities.

Read more from WANE and WPTA  

 JULY 10, 2026

HISTORIC STEP FORWARD: Allen County Fire & EMS District Officially Created
We are thrilled to share that this morning, the Allen County Commissioners officially voted to establish the unified Allen County Fire and EMS District!

This historic decision marks the beginning of a new era for emergency services in our region. By consolidating resources, streamlining administration, and unifying our operations, this new district will provide enhanced, high-tier fire protection and life-saving medical response across our communities.

Read more from WANE and WPTA  

April 22, 2026 

We are proud to announce that Jeremy Bush has been named the Executive Fire Chief for the unified Allen County Fire District. With years of dedicated service and leadership within the county's emergency services, Chief Bush will oversee the integration of our five districts and lead our unified department into this new chapter. His commitment to public safety and strategic vision will ensure that as we become one entity, our focus remains steadfast on providing the highest level of protection and service to every resident of Allen County.

 On Wednesday, April 8th, leadership from the Allen County Fire District hosted a community meeting in Arcola, IN, to provide an update on our unification progress. This gathering offered a valuable opportunity for residents to engage directly with district leaders, share their feedback, and ask questions about the future of our emergency services. We are committed to maintaining this open dialogue as we work together to build a safer, more unified county.

 The unification of our fire and emergency services is anchored by a formal interlocal agreement, signed and supported by all five participating districts: Northwest, Southwest, West Central, Northeast, and East Central. This historic accord serves as the legal and operational foundation for our transition, outlining a shared commitment to unified governance and resource management. By signing these agreements, our district leadership and county officials have moved beyond independent operations to create a singular, stronger entity focused on providing superior, consistent protection for every corner of Allen County.