CLEAR SPRING – Washington County commissioners on Dec. 16 unanimously approved a Clear Spring EMS partnership that transitions emergency medical services staff from the Clear Spring Ambulance Club Inc. to county employment.
County officials said the agreement will improve staffing stability and strengthen emergency medical response for Clear Spring and surrounding western Washington County communities.
Transition to county-run EMS staffing
Emergency Services Director R. David Hays presented the agreement with representatives from the Clear Spring Ambulance Club.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the county will bring four full-time and three part-time EMS employees onto the county payroll. The agreement also allows the county to hire four additional full-time EMS providers to address staffing shortages. Once complete, the area will have eight full-time EMS staff members.
County leaders said the approach aligns Clear Spring with similar county partnerships in Halfway, Hancock, Smithsburg and Williamsport.
Standardized pay and operations
The Clear Spring EMS partnership standardizes wages, benefits and billing services across participating stations. County officials said the change supports consistent training, improves coordination and promotes fair employment practices.
“This transition gives our personnel stability while improving service for residents,” Hays said.
Support from local leaders
Clear Spring Ambulance Club President David Glaze said the partnership allows volunteers to focus on serving the community while ensuring reliable EMS staffing.
Chief David Irvin said the agreement strengthens daily operations and emergency response. Volunteer Coordinator Oley Griffith added that the partnership supports long-term sustainability for EMS services in the Clear Spring area.
Commissioners President John Barr said the agreement reflects the county’s commitment to high-quality emergency medical care.
Budget impact and outlook
The partnership carries a projected net cost of about $400,000 in 2026 after billing revenues. County officials said the investment addresses recruitment challenges, increasing call volumes and volunteer fatigue.
The Clear Spring Ambulance Club will continue its volunteer fire operations, while county-employed EMS staff handle ambulance services under the new model.
