The Veterans Affairs Butler Fire and Emergency Services operations within the community will change, and its ambulance service will cease operations effective midnight Saturday, Feb. 28.

The VA fire service previously responded off campus during an ECHO responses, which are for life-threatening medical emergencies, but that will cease. It will also no longer assist Butler Ambulance Service on calls.

The fire services will continue for non-medical emergencies, but the ambulance service operated by the VA will cease operations entirely.

Jesse Haas, the director of operations for Butler Ambulance Service, said he was notified of the change in an email sent 4 p.m. Thursday by VA Butler Fire and Emergency Services leadership.

Haas said the changes will force Butler Ambulance Service to respond to the area more.

He said Butler Ambulance Service responded to assist VA Butler Fire and Emergency Services 230 times last year and has already assisted on 36 calls this year.

He anticipates Butler Ambulance Service will respond to 230 more calls this year on VA grounds without VA Butler EMS active.

Steve Bicehouse, the Butler County director of emergency services, said the VA Butler EMS had only responded to medical emergencies on VA grounds, such as 325 New Castle Road in Butler Township and 353 North Duffy Road in Center Township.

Bicehouse said his department adjusted its call sheets accordingly after it received word VA Butler Healthcare would no longer operate an ambulance service.

“Our job is really to follow up and do the right thing for the community,” Bicehouse said.

VA public affairs officer Paula McCarl has been in contact with the Butler Eagle regarding the closure but has not immediately made any comment.