Stone County Ambulance District Celebrates Opening of New Station 4 in Crane

Flag-raising ceremony marks official opening of build-to-suit facility supporting 24-hour paramedic coverage in northern Stone County

CRANE, Mo. - June 22, 2026 - The Stone County Ambulance District (SCAD) celebrated the opening of Ambulance Station 4 in Crane with a flag-raising ceremony on June 22, marking a major milestone in the district's continued effort to strengthen emergency medical services coverage and system readiness for northern Stone County.

Located on State Highway 413 in Crane, just across from the school, the new station will house one full paramedic ambulance crew 24 hours a day. The facility was completed in nine months as a build-to-suit project developed by Andy Mackey of Crane EMS, LLC, under a lease-purchase agreement with SCAD.

“The opening of Station 4 represents another important step in building a high-performance ambulance district dedicated to Stone County. Raising the American Flag at this station is more than a ceremony; it is a visible symbol of our commitment to protect and care for the people of northern Stone County,” said Jeff Hawkins, Executive Director of the Stone County Ambulance District.

The new station includes two pull-through ambulance bays, crew quarters with a living room, kitchen and bedrooms to accommodate up to four EMS personnel, dedicated equipment and medical supply storage areas, essential utilities, and a backup generator to support continuous readiness during power outages or other disruptions.

“This station is a beautiful addition to our district. The quality of work and detailed design make this station comfortable and functional for the EMS crews who will call it home.” Hawkins said.

Hawkins added, “This station was built with growth in mind. As the population evolves, this facility has the capacity to grow with it. Additionally, this location, coupled with a new station under construction in Galena, is strategically positioned to improve response times and system deployment across the district.”

The opening of Station 4 also reflects the rapid progress SCAD has made in organizing operations, selecting an ambulance provider, and advancing the district's station network. The lease-purchase development approach has helped accelerate the construction of purpose-built facilities at a pace that supports the district's long-term service goals.

SCAD also recognized Cox EMS for many decades of dedicated service to the Crane area and northern Stone County. Their long-standing contribution to emergency medical care in the community will continue to be appreciated by the district and the residents whose lives they touched.

Mercy EMS will operate from the new Crane station beginning June 22, 2026. SCAD and Mercy EMS have worked closely throughout the transition to support continuity of care and a high-performance EMS system for those who live, work, and visit in Stone County.

“The crew members are appreciative of the ambulance district's work to provide the new facility. The facility design, location, and capacity for growth are a direct result of thoughtful strategic planning,” said Bob Patterson, Executive Director of Emergency Services for Mercy EMS.

During the ceremony, Mayor Collin Brannan of Crane performed the honor of raising the American Flag. Attendees joined in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Mercy Hospital staff provided a station blessing. Community members were then invited to tour the new facility.

SCAD extended appreciation to the Stone County Ambulance District Board of Directors for their leadership and guidance; Andy Mackey and Crane EMS, LLC, for their development expertise and dedication to the project; Mayor Brannan and the City of Crane for their support during construction; Bailey and Pyle Builders for their work in constructing the facility; and the volunteers, supporters and community members who assisted with preparation, move-in and final details.

“Most of all, we thank the citizens of Stone County for entrusting us to build their ambulance district,” Hawkins said. “Together, we are making a significant investment in the future of emergency medical services for the people of Stone County.”

About Stone County Ambulance District

The Stone County Ambulance District is committed to developing and maintaining a high-performance ambulance district dedicated to serving Stone County. SCAD works to ensure emergency medical services are ready to respond for the people who live, work, and visit throughout the district