Brief History               

May 1976

Laurens County EMS (LCEMS) officially began operations after negotiations with a private service operating in the county fell through. Laurens County Council felt it was necessary to form a county-wide service. Originally located in a old gas station between Laurens and Clinton, LCEMS opened with 2 ambulances and 12 employees.  Headed by Mike Able, the basic service answered less than 100 calls during it's first year.

1979

Still operating with 12 employees LCEMS saw in a rise in call volume to 1,600.  LCEMS moves to a 24/48 shift rotation while paying it's basic EMT's $9,200.00 per year.  The cost to the residence increased to $35.00 per call.

July 1982

LCEMS officially begins ALS service, employing 2 Paramedics.

1985

LCEMS grows to 15 employees with 1 Paramedic per shift.

1987

A pivotal year for LCEMS, Director Thomas Watson begins a program of decentralization.  The original station closes and is replaced by stations in Laurens and Clinton.

February 1988

An additional station is opened in Gray Court, the department grows to 22 employees consisting of 8 Paramedic's, 9 Intermediates and 5 EMT's.

1991

An additional station is opened in Cross Hill.

1993-2001

Under the direction of Tom Kickler programs of updating equipment and reduction of response times is enacted. Quick Response Vehicles (QRV) are add to the outlining areas of the county.  Joanna, Whare Shoals, and Youngs see the placement of these one person units, staffed by experienced Paramedics and equipped with a full compliment of ALS equipment.  State of the art 12-lead EKG monitors are added further increasing the level of care to the citizens and visitors of Laurens County..

1998

Call Volume increases to 10,000 calls per year.

2000

LCEMS take delivery of 4 new Freightliner ambulances.

May 2001

Tom Kickler resigns as director to pursue a position as Assistant Chief of Pelham-Batesville Fire department.  He is replaced by G. Tom Howard former Training Coordinator for LCEMS

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