GREENVILLE, OH—The owners of Spirit Medical Transport LLC didn’t let COVID-19 dampen the spirits of the company’s annual Christmas party. In fact, they took the party to new heights.

As employees and their families gathered virtually and in their own cars for a drive-in style Christmas party, owners Brian K. Hathaway and Aaron Guthrie made a phone call to Santa and asked whether he could fly to the Christmas party. Within minutes, spectators at the drive-in event watched the sky as Santa came in for a landing on the racetrack of the Darke County Fairgrounds.

Drive-in and virtual attendees were personally delivered a home-cooked meal, wrapped packages for their children, gift cards, and awards.

The evening started out with a moment of silence in remembrance of Jack Rader, a Spirit employee who died earlier this year. Rader’s name and photo has been added to the back of the Spirit memorial ambulance, which bears the names of three other former Spirit employees and supporters.

Despite a drastic reduction in calls for the year overall, the company was able to maintain its employee base and avoid layoffs. The owners applauded their employees and the families who supported one another during the challenging year.

“Our employees and their families have remained strong, and we want to show our investment in each of you for the dedication you have shown,” Guthrie said. “Our employees are the backbone of our business, and we want to equip you with the best of the best anytime we can.”

The owners revealed one new 2020 Dodge Caravan, three new 2020 Dodge wheelchair vans, four fully stocked 2020 Ford Transit Medix ambulances, two fully stocked 2021 Ford E-350 Medix box ambulances, four new Ferno Power X1 cots, one Ferno iNX power load stretcher with new bariatric component capable of lifting patients up to 1,100 pounds, 10 new Lifepak 15 cardiac monitors with specialized components, six new Toughbook computers, and one Hercules 6000 automatic car wash.

“Over the past three years as a company we have made a significant investment into having one of the best fleet of vehicles on the road,” Hathaway explained. “To save our employees precious time from having to hand wash their new vehicles at the end of their shift, they will now be able to have it washed from top to bottom in a matter of minutes, thanks to the new automatic wash system we have purchased.”

The owners also expressed the gratitude they have of the facilities they serve, and announced they have 78 facilities on a waiting list wanting the services Spirit offers, but simply don’t have the personnel to meet the growing demand. The owners also announced a benefits restructure and monthly raise program.

Spirit Medical Transport, LLC, employs over 100 people and serves western Ohio and eastern Indiana with stations in the towns of Greenville, Celina, Van Wert, Sidney, and Liberty.