Floyd County looks to separate from EMS service company once operated by Jamey Noel

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Lack of transparency and questionable financial records were all concerns raised at Tuesday evening's Floyd County Commissioners meeting.

With former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel's involvement in New Chapel EMS as its CEO under a microscope, officials in Floyd County are questioning their path forward with the company, their current EMS provider.

In response to a request for proposals in December, county commissioners heard two bids submitted at Tuesday's meeting, a new bid from current provider New Chapel EMS and one from AmeriPro Health.

Matt Owen, deputy chief of New Chapel EMS, is picking up the pieces left behind by Noel, his former boss, and said he welcomes questions into New Chapel's proposal.

“We have said over and over again that everybody that contracts with us is in their rightful place to ask questions and express concerns,” Owen said.

New Chapel EMS response times came into question shortly after Noel assumed control of the company. It was the death of Clarksville Town Council member David "Red" Worrall on Election Day that sounded alarms.

“We are always happy to take comments that regard areas where we can do better and live up to that,” said Owen. “And we are happy to cooperate with any investigation to get to the truth of the matter."

State investigators have accused Noel of misusing New Chapel EMS resources for his own personal gain. Several high-end cars seized by state police from Noel's property were titled to New Chapel EMS. As Noel's legal issues grew, Floyd County began looking to separate from him and New Chapel EMS.

As the county begins the process of looking for a new EMS provider, the commissioners have put together a comprehensive list of requirements. The provider must have all the proper license and equipment, a training program and most importantly solid financial footing. New Chapel EMS has not provided the proper documentation.

“So, the organization is currently preparing for an internal audit, a complete third-party audit so we are going to rely on that before we can provide anything with any confidence," Owen said.