The Upper Scioto Valley Ambulance District held its annual Christmas and Awards Banquet on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at the Alger Social Center. EMS Chief Doug LaRue opened the event with a moment of silence for members who had passed away and those who are ill, followed by a prayer lead by EMT Curtis Engelhardt. Members and their families were thanked for their sacrifice to keep the community safe and sound. 

The department reached a record in 2021 with over 600 calls and events covered. EMS Chief Doug LaRue said, “it takes a great team to cover this many EMS calls and special events and the year is not over yet!” LaRue stated he is very proud of the consolidation into one unit, one district. This fits very well with the community and the vision to ensure USV Ambulance District remains “One team building our future.” 

Special thanks were given to the USV Ambulance District Board for their support and gift to members and also to Joyce Campbell, Clerk for her hard work. The following awards were presented:

Vickie Ward EMS Memorial Award: Ashlie Goodin

Longevity Awards: Curtis Engelhardt: 47 years, Twila Kilburn: 38 years, and Janet Conrad: 20 years

Teamwork Awards: Alger Station and Roundhead Station

Spirit Award: Andrea “Aunee” Helton

Business Supporter of the Year Award: Hardin Solar Energy

The department also sponsored 2 families with Christmas gifts this holiday season.

Upper Scioto Valley Ambulance District restructured on May 20, 2021. The district consists of Alger, Roundhead and McGuffey and the outlying areas and operates as one unit. Doug LaRue is EMS chief for the USV Ambulance District. Andrea “Aunee” Helton is assistant chief at the Alger station. Twila Kilburn and Janet Conrad are co-assistant chiefs for the Roundhead Station. 

Due to the number of calls in the Alger and McGuffey area, the Alger station has two full-time EMS members Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The remainder of hours are staffed with volunteer EMS members. The full-time EMS members also serve as volunteer EMS members. The Ambulance District operates 3 Advanced Life Support ambulances, with 2 in Alger and 1 in Roundhead.