The newest Lakes Region Ambulance District agrees to a contract with an EMS provider.

The full release from the Stone County Ambulance District is below:
After a comprehensive review, the Stone County Ambulance District Board of Directors has signed a three-year contract with Mercy Emergency 
Medical Services of Springfield, Missouri, to provide ambulance services for the district. The new contract officially begins on October 8, 2025. 

This decision follows a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process that included responses from three top-tier emergency medical service providers: LifeNet Emergency Medical Services of Texarkana, Texas, and two Springfield, Missouri-based companies, CoxHealth and Mercy Emergency Medical Services. 

The Board of Directors worked diligently to interview, score, and debate each candidate. After several weeks of navigating the selection process, the board reached a decision and negotiated a final contract with Mercy EMS, which was signed at their meeting on September 5, 2025. 

"We are proud of the work this Board has performed in selecting a top-quality service," said Jeff Hawkins, the district's new Interim Director. "I am looking forward to the opportunities created by the citizens of Stone County, the Board of Directors, all our current and surrounding EMS partners, as well as all of the emergency service partners who proudly serve their communities. It is an honor and my pleasure to help build this ambulance district and to ensure everyone who lives or visits Stone County is well protected." 

Bob Patterson, Mercy's EMS Director, thanked the Board for the opportunity. "This process has been long, and many people have contributed to the efforts," said Patterson. "Having begun my career with Mercy EMS in Stone County, I have always felt at home here, and it has been a passion of mine to ensure my friends, neighbors, and family are all taken care of." He also extended his thanks to the competing agencies for being great partners in furthering emergency medical services across the state. 

Mercy EMS will provide ambulance services throughout the entire Stone County Ambulance District with temporary stations located in Crane, Branson West, and Lampe. The ambulance district is working to provide new stations and equipment as the budget allows. 

The Board of Directors would like to congratulate and thank all candidates for their excellent responses to the RFP process, acknowledging that it was a difficult decision. The Board welcomes Mercy EMS as its new ambulance contractor.