Otero County Backs La Junta Fire Department Grant for Advanced Cardiac Monitors to Improve Rural EMS Care

Description: Otero County supports La Junta Fire’s EMTS grant to fund cardiac monitors, boosting emergency response and patient care across rural Colorado. Read the full Letter...

Support for La Junta Fire Department's Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Grant Application

March 31, 2026

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Branch

4300 Cherry Creek Drive South

Denver, CO 80246

Dear Grant Review Committee:

The Otero County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to offer this letter of support for the La Junta Fire Department's application to the Colorado Emergency Medical and Trauma Services (EMTS) Grant Program. We strongly support UJFD's request for funding to purchase two advanced cardiac monitors/defibrillators with 12-lead ECG capability.

La Junta Fire Department plays a critical role in providing emergency medical services not only within the City of La Junta, but also to residents throughout Otero County and surrounding rural communities including Cheraw and Swink. The department responds to approximately 1,500 EMS calls annually, many of which involve time-sensitive cardiac emergencies that require reliable, advanced diagnostic and life- saving equipment.

The requested cardiac monitors will replace existing units that have reached end-of-life and are no longer supported. Upgrading this equipment is essential to maintaining high standards of patient care, ensuring accurate cardiac assessments in the field, and enabling seamless continuity of care during transport to higher levels of medical care. Deployment of these monitors on first-out and second-out ambulances will directly enhance patient outcomes and response effectiveness across the region.

Otero County recognizes the unique challenges faced by rural and frontier communities in sustaining modern emergency medical infrastructure. This project aligns closely with the EMTS Grant Program's mission to improve trauma and emergency medical care statewide, particularly in underserved rural areas. The proposed investment represents a responsible and impactful use of grant funds that will strengthen the emergency medical response system serving our residents and neighboring jurisdictions.

We appreciate your consideration of La Junta Fire Department's application and respectfully encourage approval of this request.

Sincerely,

Commissioner Rob Oquist,

Chair Commissioner Tim Knabenshue

Commissioner Jim Baldwin

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