FLORENCE, Wis. — The Florence Rescue Squad, which covers the towns of Florence, Commonwealth, Fence and Fern, will end its service effective March 1, Florence County officials said.

Emergency medical technicians are in short supply in communities across the state, County Clerk Donna Trudell said in a news release Friday.

“Local towns and emergency medical service officials, along with the Florence sheriff dispatch personnel, have met to discuss the closing of Florence EMS, as well as the critical need of EMTS,” Trudell said. “This ongoing situation will hopefully be resolved soon.”

Under state statute, emergency medical services are required to be provided by each town, Trudell said. Florence Rescue Squad, formed nearly 50 years ago, issued a notification Dec. 28 of its plan to cease services.

“Florence County has always supported our EMS by paying for the costs of insurance, and providing funds for the purchase of new ambulance vehicles,” Trudell said. “Florence County will continue to support our local volunteer EMS organizations.”

In recent years, organizations have struggled to get new volunteers, and to retain current members. At this time, all local EMS are in need of EMT volunteers.

Anyone interested in helping can contact Trudell at 715-528-4762.