The Federal Government provided 80% of the initial funding required for startup of the service, while the community provided the remaining 20%. Through this funding, the squad received two van style ambulances, medical supplies and communications equipment. At this time Tri-Towns provided only Basic Life Support Care. In the beginning, there was no garage to house the ambulances. They were parked in the City Parking lot across the street (Now the Port West Plaza and Parking Lot). In the winter, drivers would clean the snow and ice from the windows before a call could be handled. The first couple of years, the squad handled some 500-600 calls.

In 1998, the service expanded. The floods of "1996" destroyed much of the 1st floor station area including equipment, supplies, furniture and structural damage. The first floor was remodeled, as was the second floor providing much needed increased office space, sleeping quarters, a large Meeting/Training Room, a lounge and facilities to accommodate the volunteers who spend some 3,500 hours per month average of volunteer on duty time at the station.

Tri-Towns responds to some 1,200 calls annually using three (3) paramedic equipped ambulances, two which are 4 wheel drive. In addition, the service operates a Chevy Tahoe Paramedic Chase Vehicle. ALL units are equipped with Basic Life Support (EMT) and Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) supplies and equipment.

We also provides a Ride-A-Long program for the Citizens who are not members of Tri-Towns EMS who would like to stay at the ambulance station with the Volunteer crews, and respond to emergency calls to see what riding an ambulance is all about.

The philosophy of the Tri-Towns EMS membership is to maintain our training, equipment, and facilities "on the cutting edge of technology" in anticipation of providing our citizens the best possible Emergency Medical Services.

Tri-Towns EMS is proudly serving the needs of the Citizens of Westernport, Piedmont, Barton, Bloomington and Luke since 1974.