Established as a volunteer ambulance service in 1969, the Lake Mills Ambulance Service has been serving the community and surrounding area for nearly 40 years.

“The ambulance service is 35 members strong and we are always looking for more to join,” said Candy Hanna, treasurer for the Lake Mills Ambulance Service.

Four part-time paramedics, drivers and EMTs make up the 35 that volunteer for the Lake Mills Ambulance Service.

“We are still completely volunteer,” Hanna said. “Along with partnering with the communities of Albert Lea, Forest City and Mason City, we are able to be there for those that live here.”

Hanna served for 15 years as part of the ambulance service responding to emergencies. Today, she serves in the capacity of treasurer and has been in that position for 10 years now.

“The Lake Mills Ambulance Service has an annual budget of approximately $85,000 per year,” Hanna said.

Earlier this year Lake Mills purchased a new ambulance as part of their two-vehicle fleet.

Last year the service responded to 390 calls, Hanna said.

“There is a satisfaction of helping folks that you know,” Hanna said. “I am from this area and many times I am helping someone that I have known for many years. We like to think of it as neighbor helping neighbor.”

To have 35 on the squad may sound like a lot but, “We are always looking for more to join,” Hanna said.

Marilynn Hoffman, Lake Mills Chamber of Commerce director, also said that the service is always looking for more to join.

“It is a volunteer department,” Hoffman said. “There is a six-month training course that one must go through before being able to serve. The ambulance service pays for the training once a person has completed the sessions and starts serving on the squad.”

In 2007, the Lake Mills Ambulance Service received the Lake Mills Service Award.

“We have an excellent ambulance service here,” Hoffman said.