History of JCEMS

The idea of a dedicated Emergency Medical Service started in 1972 when Fielden Funeral Home along with Farrar Funeral Home donated 2 Cadillac ambulances to the county. Jefferson County hired Jim Murr as its first EMS Director and Jefferson County EMS was born. EMS was originally housed at Jefferson Memorial Hospital and Jefferson County Nursing Home. The first stations were built in 1973 with one being in New Market and the other in Dandridge. The 2 stations served 25,099 residents covering 314 square miles. In the mid 80’s the county began to add professional paramedics to the service. In 1991, Jefferson County combined the Emergency Management Agency with the Emergency Medical Service. In 1999, under the direction of Jack Cochran, the service became 100% full time paramedic service. This standard is proudly continued today. During the late 90’s Jefferson County had a rapid increase in population and was one of the fastest growing counties in the state. In 2000, a station was built in White Pine, to serve the eastern part of the community. In 2002 another station was added to Chestnut Hill, which is the home to Bush Brothers Cannery. 2012 brought even more changes for JCEMS as a new station was built in New Market which today is home to 3 medic units, EMS/EMA offices, and the 911 Communication Center. Director Brad Phillips continues to encourage the service to grow and to exceed the need of Jefferson County.