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Editorial: Troubled Antioch Rescue Squad ends on a positive note

To say the Antioch Rescue Squad's reputation suffered in recent years is putting it mildly.

The once-respected volunteer emergency medical service provider that for decades played a vital role in Antioch and Antioch Township, fell hard a few years ago when a series of legal and ethical controversies raised troubling concerns about the organization.

The problems were self-inflicted, often stemming from selfish, petty and juvenile behavior from members. ARS lost contracts and the confidence of local leaders, sparking a shake-up in emergency services that left it on the outside looking in.

So, it was no surprise when ARS succumbed to those problems with word last week it was disbanding.

What was a surprise, and a pleasant one, was the announcement it would donate more than $491,000 in remaining funds to the community that supported the group for 75 years.

It's a generous gesture that we applaud.

ARS will donate $245,746 to the village of Antioch and the First Fire Protection District of Antioch. The money will be used to help fund emergency medical services now provided by the Antioch Fire Department.

The Antioch Open Arms Mission, the PM&L Theater, the Antioch Historical Society and the Antioch Area Healthcare Accessibility Alliance will split another $245,746, officials said.

That's a far cry from the ARS dust-up a year ago.

After losing the agency's contract with the fire district, ARS officials donated ambulances and other emergency equipment to departments outside the Antioch area, angering local fire officials.

Perhaps last week's donation is an attempt to try to make things right. Perhaps it is what the agency would have done anyway. Either way, it's a welcome action.

It won't erase the seriousness of the misdeeds.

A sexual harassment lawsuit in 2012 triggered a state investigation that revealed members mistreated patients on calls, abused medications and allowed employees to begin shifts within hours of excessively drinking alcohol. A former ARS treasurer pleaded guilty to theft of more than $10,000.

However, the donation will save taxpayers money, help some charities and local groups and helps ARS its final chapter by supporting the community it once served.

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