To the Members of the Board of Supervisors and County Administration: We, the undersigned residents, taxpayers, and supporters of the Goshen community, respectfully request that the County maintain the operation of the Goshen First Aid Crew and not proceed with the proposed replacement of the volunteer service with a county career-staffing model unless it can be clearly demonstrated that the change will improve emergency medical service to our community. Our concerns include the following: The Goshen First Aid Crew has been providing reliable service. According to available information, the Goshen First Aid Crew has been dispatched to approximately 50 EMS calls so far this year and has not missed a single call. This record demonstrates the dedication and effectiveness of the volunteers who serve our community. The proposed county staffing plan would significantly increase costs. County officials have proposed hiring seven new employees at an estimated annual cost of approximately $517,697. Taxpayers deserve a clear explanation of why this additional expense is necessary when the current volunteer system continues to meet local needs. The proposal does not guarantee an ambulance stationed in Goshen. Residents have been informed that even under the proposed staffing plan, there is no guarantee that an ambulance would remain based in Goshen. Instead, the plan may rely on a response vehicle while transporting ambulances respond from other locations. Patient wait times could increase. If patients must wait for an ambulance to respond from outside the Goshen area, emergency medical transport times may be significantly delayed. Supporters of this petition are concerned that average waits of approximately 20 minutes for an ambulance could place residents at greater risk during medical emergencies. Local volunteer services provide community value beyond cost savings. The Goshen First Aid Crew is made up of dedicated local volunteers who know the community, its roads, and its residents. Their commitment helps ensure rapid response and strong community involvement in emergency services. Therefore, we respectfully request that the Board of Supervisors: Maintain the Goshen First Aid Crew as an active EMS provider. Delay any transition to county career staffing until a comprehensive public review is completed. Provide transparent data regarding response times, costs, staffing needs, and service impacts. Guarantee that any future EMS plan provides equal or better ambulance coverage for Goshen residents before changes are implemented. The citizens of Goshen deserve emergency medical services that are effective, financially responsible, and readily available when needed. We urge county leaders to preserve local EMS coverage and support the volunteers who have faithfully served our community. Respectfully Submitted, The Goshen First Aid Crew