Iowa County Sheriff offers context and reassurance regarding the state of emergency medical services in the region
Sep 17, 2026, 8:30 AM CT
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As reports of ambulance staffing shortages circulate on social media, Iowa County Sheriff Michael Peterson is offering context and reassurance regarding the state of emergency medical services in the region. The Sheriff's statement comes in response to public concern following posts detailing instances where local ambulance services were unable to field a full crew.
Sheriff Peterson emphasized that 911 dispatchers do not halt emergency response efforts when a primary EMS service lacks availability. Instead, dispatchers immediately coordinate with neighboring departments, law enforcement, fire personnel, and mutual aid resources to ensure emergency assistance is dispatched promptly.
However, local officials acknowledge that rural EMS staffing represents an escalating systemic issue. Many rural fire and EMS departments depend predominantly on volunteers and part-time responders who balance full-time employment and personal commitments with emergency calls. With call volumes steadily rising alongside a shrinking pool of volunteer personnel, departments across Iowa County and similar rural communities face persistent operational hurdles.
To help bridge critical coverage gaps, the Iowa County Sheriff's Office is equipping deputies with additional medical equipment and training. While deputies cannot replace standard ambulance service, their early arrival allows for immediate on-scene intervention or guided life-saving instructions during critical emergencies.
Sheriff Peterson urged community members to maintain confidence in emergency dispatch protocols while recognizing the broader challenges facing local responders. He encouraged residents to support local emergency personnel and actively consider volunteering with regional fire and EMS units to sustain community response capabilities.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
