FLORENCE — Lauderdale County commissioners took a step Monday that could lead to one ambulance service providing emergency medical services for the entire county, including Florence.

After discussing specifications for the county's emergency medical services for more than two hours, county commissioners authorized county 911 Director George Grabryan to talk with town officials in Killen to see if they want to provide their own ambulance services or be included in a countywide bid.

They said once Killen provides an answer, Grabryan will talk with the city of Florence about soliciting a joint bid for ambulance service.

At present, Killen/Center Star Rescue Squad provides emergency medical service to 14,000 residents.

"If we can be united, it benefits everyone," said Commissioner Roger Garner. "We're better off if we can keep one service in the county." Commission Chairman Dewey Mitchell put the issue in perspective: "The bigger the service area, the better the service provider."