Three candidates are vying for two seats on the Rock Township Ambulance District Board of Directors on April 8. The candidates are incumbent Lynne Ruzicka and challengers Rick Lamborn and Paul Horn.
The terms are for three years. The board members are unpaid.
Lamborn, 66, of Fenton works in the distribution department for Joyce Meyer Ministries. He attended Stevens State School of Technology and studied business administration and economics at Millersville University. He is married to Judy and has four children and seven grandchildren.
Ruzicka, 61, of Arnold works part time in insurance servicing and rental property management. She is married to Tom and has four children and four grandchildren.
Horn, 69, of Arnold retired from the Fox C-6 School District. He also worked in the St. Anthony Medical Center Emergency Department. He attended Mineral Area College and earned an emergency medical technician EMT certificate from the University of Missouri in Columbia. He is married to Teresa and has two children and five grandchildren.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Lamborn: I was appointed to the Rock Township Ambulance Board in October 2024 and have gained insight into district operations. Previously, I served 12 years on the Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment, often as chair or vice chair. I am a homeowners association board member and an elder at the Twin Rivers Church’s Jefferson County campus. I am a high school baseball and softball umpire. My leadership experience helps me to serve RTAD effectively.
Ruzicka: I have served on the Rock Township Ambulance District Board of Directors for nine years.
Horn: I served two previous terms on the board, from 1995-2001 and from 2018-2021. I am a former member of the St. Francois County Ambulance District. I served as a volunteer firefighter for the Leadwood Fire Department, and I worked as an emergency room technician.
What are the biggest problems facing the district and how would you address them?
Lamborn: One of the biggest challenges facing RTAD is ensuring rapid emergency response times as the community grows. I will support strategic facility planning and resource allocation to keep pace with increasing demand. Recruiting and retaining skilled first responders is also crucial. I will advocate for competitive pay, training and a strong support system for EMTs and paramedics. Fiscal responsibility remains essential to maintaining high-quality services without unnecessary tax burdens. With my experience managing multi-million dollar budgets, I will ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, keeping RTAD financially strong while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community.
Ruzicka: Some of the challenges the district face are the ever-increasing call volume; keeping up-to-date medical equipment, vehicles and facilities to serve the district; and maintaining a well-trained professional staff and crew.
Horn: As I have stated in the past, I am concerned about the 48-hour work shifts. In the past a normal shift was 24 hours. My concern is for the employees’ mental awareness after the first 24 hours of the 48-hour shift. If call volumes are higher than normal, how is this affecting their driving, their quick decision-making regarding IVs, administering medication, etc. I would like to see the district hire additional paramedics to reduce the number of 48-hour shifts. Also, retention of our paramedics should always be a top priority for the board.
The district has been in the process of building new facilities. What do you think the impact of those projects will be?
Lamborn: The construction of new facilities is a critical investment in the future of RTAD and the health and safety of our community. These strategically located facilities will enhance response times, ensuring that emergency medical services reach residents faster in times of need. As the population grows, these new stations will help meet increasing demand, allowing RTAD to continue providing top-tier care without compromising efficiency. Additionally, updated infrastructure will improve working conditions for our paramedics and EMTs, giving them the resources they need to perform at their best. These projects reflect RTAD’s commitment to proactive planning and high-quality service delivery.
Ruzicka: Relocating some of the buildings will result in shorter times getting to call scenes. We now have more locations and crews than just a few years ago.
Horn: The district is partnering with the Sheriff’s Office to build a new house in the Seckman area. I see this as a win-win for the residents of this area as response times should be better for both entities. The population in the Seckman area has increased tremendously over the years, and the need for an ambulance house in this area will be greatly beneficial.
Why should voters elect you to this position?
Lamborn: After experiencing a personal medical crisis and seeing firsthand the lifesaving care RTAD provides, I understand the critical importance of their services. I want to use my leadership experience to ensure RTAD remains well-resourced and supported to deliver excellent emergency care. With more than two decades of experience overseeing a multi-million dollar budget, I will bring my fiscal expertise to RTAD, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely and the district remains financially strong. My goal is to support first responders, improve emergency services and maintain a responsible budget to best serve our community.
Ruzicka: I believe I have served the district well in my nine years of service. I will continue to support the RTAD community.
Horn: I can remember working the emergency department at St. Anthony’s before there was a RTAD and a lot has happened since the beginning for the benefit of the residents of this district. I want to continue to see that we have the best district and staff.
List your goals, if elected.
Lamborn: 1. Ensure high-quality emergency services by improving RTAD’s ability to provide fast, efficient, and life-saving emergency medical care. With a 30 percent increase in call volume the last 10 years, we must strengthen our emergency response. 2. Support first responders by advocating for resources, training and the support they need to save lives. 3. Promote community health and safety by promoting public health initiatives, improving response times and educating the community on CPR and emergency preparedness. 4. Provide fiscal responsibility by ensuring RTAD delivers top-tier services while maintaining a transparent, conservative approach to spending.
Ruzicka: My goal is to support the district in serving the community while operating within a balanced budget. I believe transparency and fiscal responsibility are my goals and the district’s goals.
Horn: I want to ensure that the staff members have all they need to do their jobs professionally. I also want to represent the residents of the district by maintaining good fiscal management.
