Chief Chad Smith Updates Kenton Rotary on BKP Ambulance Services

Chief Chad Smith of the BKP Ambulance District recently addressed the Kenton Rotary Club, providing an update on BKP and EMS services in Hardin County.

He began by thanking voters for supporting the recent BKP levy, emphasizing its importance in maintaining quality ambulance service across Buck, Dudley, Cessna, Lynn, Goshen, and Pleasant Townships, as well as the City of Kenton.

Chief Smith noted the national shift from volunteer to professional EMS staffing due to declining volunteerism.

He addressed the closure of the South-East Hardin Ambulance District, explaining that coverage is now provided through mutual aid agreements. The district has been broken up and other EMS stations will help cover, including BKP, even though they are out of the district. 

Other departments sometimes can’t or do not have the ability to cover their district when called upon for service.  This is where other departments help to fill the gap, often times without any financial reimbursement. 

Smith also shared the progress made over the past five years, crediting Assistant Chief Shelly, Fiscal Officer Morgan Gaudet, the BKP team, and the board of trustees for helping shift the culture and improve service through fiscal responsibility, community outreach, and strong local partnerships.