Mecca Township has entered into Emergency Medical Services (EMS) contracts with the city of Cortland and Bazetta Township to ensure Mecca residents will receive prompt medical response, according to a news release.

The contracts include the Cortland Fire Department providing coverage for the east side of Mosquito Lake and the Bazetta Fire Department handling emergency calls coming from the west side of Mosquito Lake.

According to the release, the contracts will be utilizing each department's proximity, training and state-of-the-art equipment.

"These agreements reflect our ongoing commitment to public safety and to ensuring every resident of Mecca has access to the highest standard of emergency medical care," Mecca Trustee Christen Clemson said. "By partnering with both Cortland and Bazetta, we can supplement the efforts of our own Mecca Volunteer Fire Department (Mecca VFD) to provide dependable, timely service with well-trained responders 24 hours per day, 7 days per week."

The Mecca VFD is also working to expand its ranks and is actively seeking new members, the release states. Training is provided at no cost and does not require any prior experience. 

"Our goal is to provide the fastest response time with highly trained responders using the best equipment at a cost our residents can afford," Mecca Trustee Greg Chopko said. "Cortland and Bazetta both have outstanding fire departments with capacity to quickly respond to calls in Mecca."

The EMS contracts will take effect on January 1st, 2026.