New Legislative Committee Seeks to Advance Solutions for Strained Rural Emergency Services

(Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota fire departments and ambulance services are understaffed and facing financial constraints while at the same time responding to more calls and serving large areas, emergency responders told lawmakers this week.

The Legislature has a new interim committee, the Emergency Response Services Committee, that’s working to find solutions.

Rep. Jim Grueneich, R-Ellendale, chair of the committee, said rural communities can be hit the hardest with even small personnel challenges with emergency service providers.

“I think we have to look at what we can do to help these essential services in rural North Dakota, and of course in our urban areas as well,” Grueneich said.