Thursday, January 26, 2012 The Millersburg Ambulance Association units have become the first EMS units in Dauphin County to install the KNOX Box Entry System. 

The KNOX Box Entry System was put into use by the Millersburg Fire Company #1 in 2000 by then Fire Chief William Specht.  The system incorporates the installation of a secure lockbox on the outside of a participating address that holds entry keys to the building.  The master key is held securely in a radio controlled receiver on the emergency response apparatus.  When emergency apparatus is dispatched to a participating address, and no key holder is immediately available, the master key is released by radio signal giving responders access to the lock box.  Keyed entry by responders allows immediate nondestructive access to the address and prevents any damage to the building through forced entry by prying open doors or windows.

The system was stagnant with no growth for several years.  In December 2010 Fire Chief Doug Snyder made it a priority to advertise and expand the system, since then the number of participating addresses has doubled. 

While expanding the system, the Millersburg Ambulance Association was approached concerning their use of the system to be able to gain access to key addresses such as the several assisted living facilities in the area.  Ambulance Chiefs Jeff Lenker and Troy Enders agreed to the installation on the Millersburg EMS units making this the first EMS units in Dauphin County to use the system.  Previous to the installation on the EMS units, the fire company would have to be requested by arriving EMS personnel which could possibly delay patient access.  Since their installation and activation on the ambulances in September 2011 the keys have been used several times which allowed the crews immediate access to the patient.

Currently the Millersburg Fire Company #1 has KNOX Boxes installed on fifteen addresses with five addresses sub mastered for ambulance access.  Any business in the Millersburg Fire Company#1 response area that wishes to get information concerning the KNOX Box system can contact Fire Chief Doug Snyder at 717-692-2121 and leave a message or email at oren1949@hotmail.com.