MENTONE – The Four Way Ambulance Emergency Services Inc. is approaching its 40th anniversary this year. The service began in November 1975 with citizens from Mentone, Burket and Talma and the townships of Harrison, Franklin, Seward and Newcasttle. From this group, a 13-member board of directors was formed to govern the ambulance service. Those original members were Wayne Tombaugh, Lois Miller, Larry Pyle, Frank Manwaring, Wymond Wilson, Jim Miller, Marvin Lowman, Chester Clampitt Jr., Wendall Grass, Don Smalley and Robert Hoffman. In January 1976 the board purchased a 1973 Dodge van-type ambulance. By the end of the month the ambulance was fully equipped by law and staffed by two certified emergency technicians, Gene Hughes and Darrell King, and two drivers, Wayne Tombaugh and Butch Warren. They began supplying the community with 24-hour coverage. All original financing came from businesses and individuals. This is the last of the complete volunteer Basic Life Support service still operating in Kosciusko County, according to information from Four Way Ambulance. Last year they responded to 400 calls. Since 1989, Mentone EMS has been dually responding with Multi-Township EMS, Fulton County and Life-Med Paramedics who provide more in-depth pre-hospital care when needed. The organization is currently active with passing out each week the Boomerang Backpacks at Akron and Mentone Elementary schools; doing blood pressure checks during EMS week at local banks; holding the 5K run/walk, selling cotton candy and having a dunk tank during Mentone Egg Days in June; and passing out candy and helping families across the busy roads during treat-or-trick in October. Anyone interested in being a volunteer for the service as an EMT, first responder or driver can contact Tony McKinney at 574-551-9915 or Ron Scott at 574-353-7460 or email mentone_ems@yahoo.com
