Ambulance Service
August 6th, 2025
Letter to North Memorial Health Ambulance
Dear Mr. Almendinger and Mr. Lee,
I am writing to strongly advocate for the return of dedicated 24/7 ambulance coverage in Crosslake, as we previously had for many years. Mr. Lee, Chief Lohmiller and I have had several discussions about this issue dating back to March 2025. I’m reaching out now because we continue to see concerning delays in response times from North Memorial Ambulance.
Since 1996, the City of Crosslake has proudly partnered with North Memorial for ambulance services, paying $1,000 per month to support what was once a strong, reliable, and appreciated presence in our community. That contract provided 2 trucks and 1 crew.
In 2012, the City of Crosslake invested $179,670 to build a dedicated wing to house two ambulances, complete with sleeping quarters, a kitchen, an office, and storage for PPE and medications. This facility was specifically designed to support paramedics and ensure swift, local response to emergencies.
However, when North Memorial shifted to a roaming staffing model—patrolling Highway 371 and responding from various locations—the City chose to discontinue our contract, as the level of service no longer justified the investment.
Unfortunately, the impact of that change has become clear. Just earlier this summer, a medical emergency occurred just a stone’s throw from the fire hall. The helicopter from Brainerd
arrived five minutes before the ambulance, which had a 24-minute response time. Had we still had a dedicated crew stationed locally, this might have been a life-saving difference.
Currently, the average response time in Crosslake is around 25 minutes, which is simply unacceptable. Some recent response times include:
· 36 minutes – 03/30/2024
· 25 minutes – 07/28/2024
· 42 minutes – 08/01/2024
· 42 minutes – 08/14/2025
· 40 minutes – 02/06/2025
· 42 minutes – 04/01/2025
Since North Memorial ended dedicated coverage in November 2023, we have had 10+ incidents where faster response times could have led to significantly different outcomes. There are multiple Code 3 incidents in our area where having local, dedicated ambulance service would have made a measurable difference.
I respectfully urge you to reconsider your current staffing model and bring dedicated ambulance coverage back to Crosslake. We are more than willing to revisit a service agreement. The facility built in 2012 remains available and well-equipped. Crosslake is also geographically positioned to effectively serve neighboring communities such as Fifty Lakes, Ideal, and Mission.
Hopefully we can get back to having a dedicated crew that comes back to Crosslake after a transport, shift changes in Crosslake, and utilizes the station. Our city, and the northern region of Crow Wing County would be of benefit.
Let’s take a proactive approach—reinstating a dedicated team here would reduce response times and, more importantly, save lives.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
With sincere regards,
Mayor Jackson M. Purfeerst
August 9th, 2025
Ambulance Update
Dear Community,
I want to share some history and context about our ongoing ambulance service issue.
Since the late 1970s, Crosslake has benefited from prompt, dedicated ambulance service. This vision was brought to life by some of the most community-centered families in our history—families like the Starkkas, Garins, Lindquists, and Backdahls, as well as others— who devoted countless hours, resources, and energy to create a locally focused EMS presence.
In 1987, our small-town ambulance service was sold to North Memorial, who continues to serve Crosslake today. We are deeply grateful to the visionaries who laid the foundation for this service, and to North Memorial for carrying that tradition forward for decades. The work of our paramedics throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area is essential to the way we live, work, and play here. We will always value our EMS professionals, first responders, and all who serve our community in times of need.
Over time, the way EMS operates has changed significantly. In the 1970s, Minnesota enacted legislation creating Primary Service Areas (PSAs) to prevent multiple ambulance companies from competing for the same patients—a practice that was detrimental to patient care. Each PSA has one designated ambulance provider, established and regulated by the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) under Minnesota Statute 144E.06. Our PSA is owned by North Memorial.
In 2012, the City of Crosslake invested $179,670 to build a dedicated ambulance wing—two bays for ambulances, sleeping quarters, a kitchen, office space, and secure storage for PPE and medications. Since 1996, the city has partnered with North Memorial, contributing
$1,000 per month to support what was once a strong, consistent EMS presence in Crosslake. That agreement ensured two ambulances, and one full crew were based here, ready to respond.
While $1,000 per month is far below the actual cost of staffing, equipment, and operations, we maintained that partnership for years out of appreciation for North Memorial’s dedicated service. But as the cost of EMS has grown dramatically since the early 2000s, so too have operational changes, as well as decreased funding. This is a problem across the state. The city is more than willing to revisit a contract agreement. I believe our need is elevated due to our regional location, age demographic, seasonality of business, tourism, and recreation!
For years, Crosslake had ambulances housed at the firehall as well as one crew. If there was an ambulance stationed in town, the ambulance would respond, transport to either CRMC or Essentia St. Josephs in Brainerd and make their way back to Crosslake. If a call came in during the return trip back to Crosslake, the ambulance would respond, then transport, but would eventually make their way back to Crosslake.
That changed in November 2023, when North Memorial shifted its staffing model. The intent was to improve overall response times by positioning ambulances more strategically around the county. However, the result for Crosslake has been no dedicated service and delayed response times. North ambulances now roam the county, primarily along the Highway 371 corridor, and do not “automatically” return here.
The consequence? Average response times in Crosslake have risen to 25 minutes—an unacceptable delay when seconds can save lives. This data has been tracked and verified by the CLFD.
I take this matter to heart. I have heard too many troubling stories from residents about delayed care. I have formally communicated these concerns to North Memorial’s leadership (see attached letter) and feel a duty to keep you informed, as this affects every one of us. For too long this was quiet. Since sharing my concerns publicly, I have received numerous calls from residents, concerned paramedics, and even from North Memorial’s Twin Cities office.
A meeting with North Memorial leadership is scheduled, and I look forward to updating you afterward. While the path to a solution may take time—and may require navigating some challenges—I am optimistic.
This is not just a Crosslake issue—it’s a regional one. But Crosslake has a unique advantage: we already have a prime facility in a geographically strategic location to serve the northern Crow Wing County area and our neighbors. We have the infrastructure, the history, and the will to support an ambulance service that meets our community’s needs.
I will continue to champion this effort for Crosslake and for our neighbors. We are a team— and when it comes to saving lives, we must work together. Thank you for the support.
With continued effort,
Mayor Jackson M. Purfeerst
August 19th, 2025
Ambulance Update #3
Dear Community,
On Monday, August 11, Fire Chief Lohmiller, Jory Danielson, and I met with North Memorial’s leadership team to discuss restoring dedicated ambulance service to Crosslake.
Our discussion covered a range of important topics, including response times, funding, and staffing.
The meeting was diplomatic—marked by respectful disagreement, constructive dialogue, and clear goal-setting.
From the city’s perspective, we presented strong and concrete reasons why dedicated service is essential for Crosslake—something our citizens have relied on for years and rightfully deserve.
As a result of the meeting, a follow-up session has been scheduled for September, titled “Concepts and Models.”
This is not the end of the conversation, nor will we let the issue fade. Rather, it represents the next step in what will be an ongoing effort.
While the process may take time, I remain optimistic that we will reach a solution that best serves our citizens, our community, and our neighbors.
With continued effort,
Mayor Jackson M. Purfeerst
August 24th, 2025
LETTERS OF SUPPORT NEEDED!
Dear Crosslake,
I am asking our community to write letters of support advocating for the return of a dedicated ambulance service to Crosslake.
Over the weekend, I heard from several residents who recently experienced delayed response times. These concerns underscore the importance of restoring dedicated service for the safety and well-being of our community.
I am grateful that so many of you are engaged in this conversation and continue to make your voices heard. Let’s keep the positive momentum moving forward!
Your letter can be brief—whether it’s sharing a personal experience or simply writing a short paragraph. The goal is to highlight why their commitment to our community is so important, why their presence is essential, and why their care is truly valued!
Letters are welcome from all community members.
Please submit letters of support to: Mayor Jackson Purfeerst 13888 Daggett Bay Rd Crosslake, MN 56442
or via email: JPurfeerst@cityofcrosslake.org
Please address letters to: North Memorial Health
Thank you,
Mayor Jackson M. Purfeerst
