Ambulance Company Seeks To Block Augusta Fire From Providing EMS Transport

Posted by: Curt Varone September 20, 2018 0

An ambulance company is suing one of Georgia’s regional EMS councils in an effort to block the Augusta Fire Department from taking over EMS transport. Gold Cross EMS, Inc. filed suit earlier this week in Richmond County Superior Court naming the East Central Georgia EMS Council as the sole defendant.

The EMS Council previously voted to open ambulance service zones in the area and accept applications from new providers. According to the owner of Gold Cross, Vince Brogdan, the fact that Augusta Fire Chief Chris James serves as Chairman of the council creates a conflict of interest because his fire department is one of the providers seeking to take over EMS. Brogdan was quoted by WJBF TV Channel 6 news as saying “I want to start over and I want it done properly and I think the Chief should step down as Chairman.”

The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief but no monetary damages.

 

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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