History of Fame EMS
Origins and Early Development

Fame Fire Company, one of the original fire companies, was established in the early 1850s in the borough of Lewistown. Together with Henderson Fire Company, Fame Fire Company provided fire protection services to Lewistown Borough and the surrounding communities. In 1923, Fame Fire Company began transporting patients using a donated hearse. This marked the inception of their ambulance services, leading to the official formation of the Fame Fire Company Ambulance Division in 1928. The division's first ambulance was a 1928 Willys Knight, followed by a 1929 Studebaker.

Transition to Professional Services

From its inception in 1928 until 1988, the Fame Fire Company Ambulance Division operated as a volunteer organization. The growing demand for emergency medical services necessitated the hiring of the first paid EMTs in 1988 to support the volunteer staff. The following year, Lewistown Hospital introduced Medic 29, the area’s first Advanced Life Support (ALS) service, providing paramedics to supplement the Basic Life Support (BLS) units of Fame Fire Company and other local BLS ambulance companies in Mifflin and Juniata County.

Establishment of Fame EMS

On September 23, 1992, the Fame Fire Company Ambulance Division was reincorporated as Fame Emergency Medical Services Incorporated, operating as a separate entity from the fire company. At this point, Fame EMS had two ambulances and a team comprising four paid EMTs and volunteer staff. They responded to approximately 2,000 calls annually, covering Lewistown Borough, Juniata Terrace, and parts of Granville and Derry Township. In the same year, Fame EMS transitioned from self-dispatch to being dispatched by Mifflin County Communications.

Expansion and Advanced Services

In January 1994, Fame EMS relocated to its new and current facility at 701 Valley Street. The move expanded their fleet to three ambulances and increased the number of paid EMTs to five, supported by volunteers. The call volume rose to approximately 3,100 per year. In 1994, Fame EMS received licensure from the Seven Mountains Regional Council to provide advanced life support and responded to its first ALS call on November 21, 1994.

Service Diversification

Recognizing the need for efficient patient transportation, Fame EMS began offering wheelchair van transports in 1996. In August 1999, Fame EMS expanded its BLS coverage to include Yeagertown, Burnham, Decatur Township, and all of Derry Township.

Innovations and Community Support

In 2000, Fame EMS extended its ALS services to new areas, including Yeagertown, Burnham, Decatur Township, and additional parts of Derry Township. They also introduced the county's first Rehabilitation Unit, designed to provide medical monitoring and rehabilitation services to firefighters during incidents. The unit is also equipped to assist in police incidents and search and rescue operations.

Modern Era and Infrastructure

In 2003, Fame EMS completed the construction of an expansion to their facility, adding three vehicle bays and a state-of-the-art training room. This expansion has allowed Fame EMS to continue evolving and improving its services to better serve the community.

Fame EMS remains dedicated to providing high-quality emergency medical services, ensuring the health and safety of the residents of Lewistown and its surrounding areas.