Eagleville receives Municipal League award for Innovation in Emergency Services

Located in a rural area and with a small population, the city of Eagleville realized and reacted to a need for around-the-clock response for medical emergencies. 

In recognition of the committed efforts the city of Eagleville has made to expanding is emergency response services despite the challenges faced by its small staff, the Tennessee Municipal League is pleased to present Eagleville with an award for Innovation in Emergency Services. 

With just over 800 residents, the city of Eagleville’s leadership worked with the Eagleville Fire Department to find a solution to the pressing issue a lack of consistent and prompt ambulance services was creating within the community.  

The Eagleville Fire Department was operating with a full-time chief and two firefighters working a non-conventional 40-hour-per week schedule, largely supplemented by part-time and volunteer staff. These limitations meant the city couldn’t ensure 24/7 availability for medical emergency response.  

Town Manager Hellyn Riggins and Fire Chief Jonathan Armstrong, with support for the city council, began pioneering a new, innovative staffing model that ensures constant coverage with at least one certified fire firefighter/medical first responder on duty.  

This had a profound impact on the community. A year of empirical data showed response times for all emergency incidents were reduced and that lives of at least three residents experiencing cardiac arrest were directly saved as a result of the program’s implementation.  

Despite its small size, the restructured fire department has significantly improved the town’s public safety services and quality of life for residents. Presently, the department is working on the construction of a new fire station and other initiatives designed to improve the lives of residents.