The Riley Co. Board of County Commissioners have approved the consolidation of three divisions of emergency services on Thursday, Dec. 4. With the approval, Riley Co. Fire District #1, Riley Co. Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Riley Co. Emergency Management will be consolidated into a single, unified department named Riley Co. Emergency Services.
The Director of Emergency Services will lead the three divisions that will soon operate as one department. The transition to Riley Co. Emergency Services will begin in 2026 with EMS Director David Adams leading the consolidated department. “I am honored to take on this role,” Adams said. “Riley County has a long record of excellent emergency service, and our teams have worked well together for many years. My focus is to support that work and ensure we continue to deliver effective, reliable service to the community. I appreciate Chief Stukey’s guidance during this transition, and his experience will be valuable as we move forward.”
Current ES Director/Fire Chief Russel Stukey will retire in the fall of 2026. “Change can be difficult, but I believe with the quality staff we have in place, this reorganization process will increase the efficiency of services provided to the public far into the future,” Stukey said. Although Emergency Services is moving to a consolidated management structure, each division will continue to operate from their current locations.
County officials added that renovation work of the old EMS Station #1 at Clafin and Charles Little Road will continue, with Emergency Management and RCFD#1 scheduled to occupy that space when it is completed in late spring 2026.
Director Adams will maintain offices in the new EMS Station #1 at 1115 Charles Little Road as well as the new EM/RCFD#1 headquarters building. Officials said that the Emergency Services Director role will still be responsible for leading the Emergency Operations Center.
The new structure will reduce one department head position, which is expected to save the county approximately $120,000 each year. Savings will be lower in 2026 due to both directors being involved in the transition for nine months. The decision follows a review of the county’s emergency response structure and a formal proposal presented by Human Resources Director Elizabeth Ward, Adams, and Stukey.
