PrideMark EMS is in business in Florala, bringing with it much-needed advanced life support.

“We opened at midnight (Jan.1) just as we promised,” Owner Glenn Jowers said. “We’ve had a few calls. Just call 911 and our unit will respond.”

E-911 director Kristi Stamnes said Monday that they have dispatched PrideMark to five calls since Jan. 1.

The city of Florala renovated living quarters for the ambulance company inside the Florala Fire Station to accommodate the 24/7 advanced life support service the company has agreed to provide.

In December, the Covington County E-911 board OK’d two exclusive service agreements – one with PrideMark whose territory was to include Opp and Florala and everything south and east of Hwy. 55 and County Road 4, and the other for Advanced EMS, which covers Andalusia and everything north and west of Hwy. 55 and County Road 4.

As part of the agreement, the city of Florala agreed to supply a bay for the ALS ambulance, utilities and $1,000 per month to help the company offset costs.