On September 4, 2024, a post was made to the Highland Illinois Community Page on Facebook, alleging that a family called 9-1-1 requesting help for a young athlete who had broken his arm and was advised there was no ambulance available. To date, the investigation has revealed there was no such call. Contact has been made with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and dispatch for Highland Public Safety. Information was relayed that at no time between 5:00 pm and 7:55 pm did anyone call via 9-1-1 or on the non-emergency line requesting an ambulance at Hunsche Field located in Glik Park. Further investigation found that the family merely placed their child in the car and took him to the hospital of their choosing for treatment.
This post caused citizens of Highland and surrounding areas to be concerned for their safety and express their fear of limited EMS service. The Highland Public Safety Division wants all citizens in and around Highland to know that two ambulances still cover our area. One ambulance is paid for and stationed on Broadway at the Highland Station; the other is paid for by the fire protection districts and stationed at the Highland Pierron Fire Department. If both ambulances are unavailable, surrounding agencies will respond to a mutual aid request, just as was the past practice before the change in coverage requested by the districts.
An investigation is currently underway to identify the individual who knowingly chose to cause panic and concern among our citizens by posting false information. This incident serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to act responsibly and honestly. We want to clarify that we do not hold the Highland Illinois Community Page moderator responsible for this posting.
