By the Howard County Ambulance District

Most people don’t think about emergency medical services until they need them. But every day, behind the scenes, there’s a dedicated group of individuals making sure that when the call comes in, help is on the way. From those answering the calls to those guiding long-term strategy, the Howard County Ambulance District is run by people who live here, work here, and care about this community.

The district is governed by a six-member board made up of local residents: Greg Prothero, Dr. Jessica Quint, Bart Ballew, Mike Jackman, Tyler Eaton, and Marcus Porter. These individuals are responsible for overseeing policy, finances, staffing, and future planning. They bring experience from healthcare, public safety, business, and community service—and they volunteer their time to help ensure that Howard County’s ambulance service is stable, responsive, and prepared for the future.

Daily operations are led by Director Frank Flaspohler, Assistant Director Tim Flaspohler, and Office Manager Wendy Duran. Together, they handle everything from shift scheduling and training coordination to community outreach and long-term planning.

On the front lines, the district is staffed by a dedicated team that includes three full-time paramedics, six full-time EMTs, two part-time EMTs, three PRN paramedics, one PRN registered nurse, and two PRN EMTs. These professionals are the ones who respond when someone dials 911—providing critical care during emergencies, offering reassurance during transport, and supporting patients in some of their most difficult moments. The job is demanding—physically, emotionally, and mentally—but this team brings skill, compassion, and a strong sense of duty to every call.

Together, the board, administrative staff, and emergency responders form the backbone of Howard County’s ambulance service. Their combined efforts, both behind the scenes and in the field, are what keep this vital system operating each day. We’re proud to introduce the team working hard to serve and protect our community.

For now, we simply want to say: these are your neighbors. They are working hard every day to make sure your ambulance service is strong, sustainable, and ready when you need it.

To stay updated on news, events, and behind-the-scenes stories, follow Howard County Ambulance on Facebook @HowardCountyAmbulance.

Part of a monthly column series to inform and engage the Howard County community.