Commissioners honor EMS workers

TIFFIN — Seneca County EMS director Chris Hafley gave the Seneca County Board of Commissioners an update regarding EMS Week at the commissioners' regular meeting Thursday. EMS Week is an annual event initiated by President Gerald Ford in 1974. With the slogan, "We care. For everyone," EMS Week is celebrated around the country to highlight EMS professionals doing important work in communities both large and small. "Seneca County's EMS professionals are dedicated and provide lifesaving knowledge and skills and are tested every day." Hafley said. "We are trained and ready to deliver a range of medical interventions and support because we care for everyone." Hafley reported Seneca County EMS made 1,426 runs in 2024. He also said based on the rate of calls so far in 2025, he estimated this year's number of runs would be closer to 1,700. Of the statistics reported in the 2024 county EMS annual report, Hafley said the most staggering was the 307% increase in psychiatric patients in 2024, compared to 2023. When asked about the biggest challenge facing the county EMS team, Hafley said it was manpower. "We're having trouble getting applicants," he said. He also said he would be looking at working with EMS training programs, like the one at Terra State, to promote the development of the workforce. Commissioner Tony Paradiso reported the county currently employs 27 full-time staff, three part-time employees, 10 paramedics or EMTs working on an as-needed basis and three administrative staff members. Paradiso later read a proclamation in honor of the county's EMS professionals and EMS Week. "Emergency medical services are frontline responders that provide urgent, life-saving care at a moment's notice, often serving as a link between crisis and recovery," the proclamation reads. "Whereas a career in EMS demands extensive training, sacrifice and deep commitment to the wellbeing of others." Other business Also at the meeting, Destination Seneca County and TSEP director Bryce Riggs told the board he recently hit the six-month milestone of being appointed as the interim TSEP director and was pleased with the direction of the organization. The board thanked Riggs for his service to the community. The board later approved the following supplemental appropriations: $31,730.70 from the general fund for commissioner salaries. $460.10 from the general fund for commissioner PERS. $15,000 from the general fund for coroner salaries. $217.50 from the general fund for coroner Medicare. $2,100 from the general fund for coroner PERS. $2,369 from the general fund for BOE salaries - precinct workers. $32,000 from the general fund for leases. $25,000 from the general fund for contract services. $102,448 from the general fund for advance out. $78.70 from the juvenile and probate court technology grant fund for supplies. $115,980 from the CDBG fund for ADA upgrade municipal building upgrade. The board then approved the following resolutions: Authorizing a fund advance from the general fund to the county CDBG fund. Authorizing the president of the board to sign the FY 2026-28 DYS subsidy reclaim grant application and all related documentation on behalf of the Seneca County Board of Commissioners and Seneca County juvenile court. Entering into a contract with Rich and Gillis Law Group for the Seneca County Board of Revision effective June 1 to May 31, 2026. Authorizing the Seneca County Board of Commissioners to enter into an agreement with Erie Blacktop. Authorizing the Seneca County Board of Commissioners to enter into an agreement with Crawford Construction Co. Authorizing the Seneca County Board of Commissioners to sign a release of mortgage for Seneca County Land Reutilization Corporation for the release of their loan with the Seneca County Commissioners for FY 2018. Appointing members to the Community Corrections Board. The next board of commissioners meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at 111 Madison St. in Tiffin.