Nacogdoches County is taking a decisive step to strengthen its emergency‑medical response. County commissioners approved a lease for a brand‑new ambulance, and the county’s EMS program will offer tuition‑free EMT training to the first ten applicants, thanks to two state grants.
State grants make the equipment and education possible
Jonathon Walker, EMS director for Nacogdoches County, explained that the Texas Comptroller’s Rural Ambulance Service grant is a “big deal” for a largely rural area that often faces long transport distances. “With all the driving we do all around the county taking care of the citizens, eventually we have to get the ambulance replaced. And with the grant like this, it just makes that easier,” Walker said.
The grant covers the cost of leasing the new ambulance to the Nacogdoches County Hospital District, which operates the county’s EMS service. Keith Bradford of the county attorney’s office noted that the district has been the sole provider of ambulance service for many years, and the lease agreement will keep that partnership intact.
Free EMT training opens a path for new responders
In addition to the ambulance grant, the Texas Workforce Commission awarded a second grant that will pay the $700 tuition for EMT training next spring. Walker emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation of responders: “Unless you find the secret of how not to grow old, eventually you’re going to have to retire. And when that happens, somebody needs to be able to replace you. It’s the education programs like this that are in place for that.”
The free‑training program will be offered to the first ten residents who apply. Interested individuals can contact Walker’s office by phone at 936‑559‑5709 or email [email protected].
County leaders urge continued support
Walker urged community members to advocate for additional funding, encouraging them to reach out to their Texas and United States congressional representatives. “Talk to your Texas congressman. Talk to your United States congressman… The only way that there’s going to be more funding for the aid of services, they’ve got to make the funding available,” he said.
The grants represent a tangible example of how state resources can be directed to rural health infrastructure, ensuring that residents of Nacogdoches County have reliable emergency transport and a pipeline of qualified EMTs ready to serve.
What this means for local families
For families across the county, the new ambulance means faster response times in remote areas, while the tuition‑free EMT program provides a career pathway that does not require a large upfront financial commitment. Both initiatives align with the community’s values of self‑reliance, strong families, and faith‑based service to neighbors.
County officials plan to monitor the impact of these investments and continue seeking state and federal resources to further improve public safety and health outcomes in Nacogdoches County.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
