SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - Mid Sussex Rescue Squad, one of only two standalone EMS providers in Sussex County, did not participate in a recent financial review of emergency services.
FACETS Consulting, who conducted the review, confirmed that Mid Sussex was the only department in the county that did not take part in the comprehensive study, which examined how emergency services are funded and managed across Sussex County.
FACETS Consulting report showing fire companies' financial health grades on a red to green light scale.
The absence of participation has prompted questions from some Long Neck locals, including Mary Hallahan.
“I found it troubling because I see a lack of transparency, and then you have to wonder why,” said Hallahan.
The department, which serves the Long Neck area, provides ambulance services but does not operate fire trucks. That role is handled by the neighboring Indian River Fire Company.
Mid Sussex EMS Supervisor told CoastTV the department was unaware of the study until a few weeks ago, and by then it was too late to participate.
“It wasn’t a choice of not participating,” he said, adding they would have taken part had they known sooner.
The EMS Supervisor said to their knowledge, there was no correspondence from the consultants.
"I hope it was just a miscommunication on who the new point of contact was," said the supervisor, citing recent staffing changes.
However, that account is being challenged. A spokesperson for the Sussex County Firemen’s Association told CoastTV they notified Mid Sussex of the study months ago. The spokesperson expressed concern over what they call “untruthfulness” from the department.
Debbie Lord, another Long Neck local, says she was surprised to learn Mid Sussex was the only agency that didn’t take part.
“I can’t speculate as to why, but it concerns me,” said Lord.
CoastTV asked FACETS Consulting about their correspondence with Mid Sussex, but they said they have no comment at this time.
When CoastTV asked Mid Sussex what they think their financial health grade would have been had they participated, they said they assume they would've been one of the lowest scores, as they are a standalone EMS agency and because call volume is increasing.
"I would assume we would be in the same ball park as Georgetown," the EMS supervisor said.
Mid Sussex added that they are actively working to improve services and expand their capabilities.
"We are taking steps to provide better coverage," the EMS supervisor said.
From 2022 to 2024, Mid Sussex says their call volume increased 9.48%.
Mid Sussex Rescue Squad is the same department that was investigated for financial misconduct back in 2018. In that case, according to the Delaware State Auditor, over $100,000 was misused by the former treasurer, which included unauthorized cash withdrawals and payments to personal utility accounts. The treasurer was removed for life.