EDWARDSBURG — For the last past 50 years, the screeching of an ambulance siren in Edwardsburg could easily be identified. The noise was, of course, coming from the Edwardsburg Ambulance Service, one of the oldest of such municipalities in the state.

“Fifty years is the longest we could find that anyone has been an ambulance service as the same organization,” said Dennis Closson, the administrator for the Edwardsburg Ambulance Service.

In order to celebrate reaching 50 years as an ambulance service, the organization is hosting an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, at the Ontwa Township Hall, which is nextdoor to the ambulance service.

At the open house, there will be mementos on display showcasing the service’s history, such as pictures and newspaper clippings. Cake and refreshments will be served. Additionally, an Edwardsburg ambulance will be parked in front of the township hall for people to see.

Closson and some of the medics will be on hand to talk about the ambulance service and answer questions open house attendees may have. He said that some of the medics have been with the Edwardsburg Ambulance Service for more than 15 years.

“The Township Supervisor, Jerry Marchetti, has contacted the state about a plaque commemorating us as [one of] the oldest ambulance service in the state,” he said.

According to Closson, the ambulance service has survived for so long largely due to the support it has received from the community.

“We have a considerable tax base from the community,” he said. “Just the revenue we generate isn’t enough to support the service. Because the community really wants us here, they pick up the slack for the income for us to keep operating. This year, they renew the millage.”

In return, he said that the ambulance service makes sure to stay updated with the latest trainings and equipment, so that it can provide community members with fast and efficient care.

The next closest ambulance service to Edwardsburg is at least 20 minutes away, said Closson.

“We operate two ambulances,” he said. “One for 24 hours a day, and the other for 12 hours a day.”

The millage that helps to provide for the ambulance service is on the ballot for renewal for the primary elections on Aug. 7.

“It’s just a renewal. It’s not going to change your tax bases or anything else,” said Jacque Tighe at the Village of Edwardsburg board meeting on Monday. “It is a half a mill for [the fire department] and half a mill for the ambulance [service].”

Without the financial support of the millage, she said that the ambulance service would struggle, which is why the municipality’s employees are so appreciative of all the the community has done for it.

“We want to thank the community for their support,” he said. “Fifty years would not have been possible without them.”