Tri-County Ambulance Service Strengthens Workforce and Expands National Response Through Upskilling

Tri-County Ambulance Service, a family-owned EMS provider based in Wakarusa, Indiana, is redefining what it means to serve in emergency medical services by investing in workforce upskilling. With support from the Power Up Indiana program, the company is equipping its EMTs and paramedics with advanced training that prepares them for high-demand disaster response roles across the country.

Founded 26 years ago by Todd and Lisa Rhodes, Tri-County Ambulance Service began with just one ambulance and a wheelchair van. Today, the company operates a fleet of 28 ambulances and plays a vital role in both local emergency care and national deployments for wildfires, hurricanes, and other large-scale disasters.

At the heart of this transformation is a commitment to employee development. Through targeted training programs, Tri-County staff are gaining the skills needed to respond to emergencies in remote and high-risk environments. This includes earning a “red card” for wildfire response, which requires classroom instruction, hands-on fieldwork, and a physical fitness test. Hurricane response roles demand additional certifications and the ability to work 24-hour shifts in unpredictable conditions.

Scott Maurer, Deployment Coordinator at Tri-County Ambulance Service, notes the upskilling initiative has had a powerful impact on employee morale and engagement. “It gives the employees another opportunity to do something different,” Maurer said. “They’re not just doing the same job day in, day out. It keeps them motivated, helps prevent burnout, and gives them the chance to grow professionally while making extra money.”

The financial benefits are significant. Employees can earn up to fifteen dollars more per hour during deployments, and a two-to four-week assignment can represent nearly a third of their annual salary. These opportunities not only support individual career growth but also provide meaningful financial benefits for families.

“I have had the opportunity, with upskilling, to be certified as a red card wildland firefighter,” said Lonnie Camp, a paramedic at Tri-County Ambulance Service. “Since gaining the education, it has also opened up numerous opportunities I would have never of had without it. I have been deployed to several wild land fires across the country. With the education gained I was able to effectively function within a wildfire command system, and provide medical care with zero lag, after being given my assignment at the scene.”

Beyond individual development, the upskilling strategy has strengthened the company’s overall capacity and resilience. Tri-County now maintains equipment bases in Oregon, Arizona, and Montana, allowing for rapid deployment when disaster strikes. Even in slower years, the company continues to invest in training to maintain readiness and ensure long-term sustainability.

“Without this, we were trying to really figure out how we were going to keep moving forward,” Maurer said. “This was an excellent opportunity for us. It helped us plug the gap in a slow year and continue building our capabilities.”

The company’s national footprint and specialized training have also helped attract new talent and retain experienced staff. Many EMS professionals in the region are drawn to the opportunity to work on high-impact deployments while staying connected to a supportive, family-run organization.

Tri-County’s approach demonstrates how upskilling can serve as both a workforce development tool and a business growth strategy. By investing in its people, the company has expanded its services, improved employee satisfaction, and positioned itself as a leader in emergency response on a national scale.

To learn more about Tri-County Ambulance Service, visit: tricountyambulanceservice.com.