CLINTON -- The Clinton Ambulance Service soon will not be the primary ambulance service for Maroa.

Last month, Maroa Fire Chief Jeff Acup informed Dr. John Warner Hospital officials that as of July 15, the Decatur Ambulance Service will be the primary responders for all addresses in Macon County.

"We are hoping this will benefit everyone in quicker response times as well as making it easier for the dispatch centers," Acup said.

The change follows a vote of the Maroa Fire Department to designate a primary ambulance service.

Dr. John Warner Hospital interim CEO John Wood said he was surprised by the news.

"Although we are disappointed, we will respect the decision of the Maroa Fire Department," Wood said.

Residents of Maroa still can request Clinton Ambulance Service when calling 911 or the DeWitt County Dispatch Center at (217) 935-3136, Wood said. "We will respond and deliver a quality paramedic service that the citizens of Maroa and Macon County deserve."

The Clinton Ambulance Service still will be the primary responder for all calls in DeWitt County, even those with Maroa addresses.

The city of Maroa is just one mile from the DeWitt-Macon County line and is approximately eight miles from both the City of Decatur and Clinton.

Acup said there were no problems with the Clinton Ambulance Service, but felt the response times from Decatur would be quicker.