Riley County commissioners unanimously approved a plan Thursday to consolidate three of its public safety divisions into a single Emergency Services Department next year, a move officials say will save taxpayers money and increase efficiency.
The proposal merges Riley County Emergency Medical Services, Fire District No. 1 and Emergency Management into one department ahead of the October 2026 retirement of Russel Stukey, the county’s fire chief and emergency management director. Stukey, EMS director David Adams and Human Resources Director Elizabeth Ward held several discussions with staff and leadership teams over the past few months. The Fire District Advisory Board endorsed the idea this week.
Adams said he expects the transition to strengthen each department.
