This is not an April Fools' Day prank.
As of 7 a.m., South Beloit Fire Department crews are handling EMS as well as fire calls.
Fire Chief Brian Kunce told WTVO the transition is "an important moment for our department and our community."
Soon, the department will be hiring part-time crews to increase staffing from three to four or possibly, five per shift.
In additon to firefighter safety, the additional crews are needed as the call volume continues to incease.
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.