N.Y. Ambulance May Relocate

July 27--MORIAH -- The Moriah Ambulance Squad could be moving into the Moriah Volunteer Fire Department complex at Moriah Corners.

Moriah Ambulance Capt. Louis Paris said the squad is experiencing some financial issues and is in the midst of a fundraising campaign.

They've been meeting with officers of the Moriah Fire District to finalize plans for the move, he said.

"We're working on it. They (Moriah) have a second building. It would be an advantage for both of us."

The present Ambulance Squad building in Moriah Center does not have enough height clearance for new emergency vehicles, he said.

"We're looking to get new rigs. After 2004, most manufacturers went to a Ford chassis that has more springs and sits higher."

It would cost about $170,000 per ambulance, Paris said.

"We're looking for two new rigs. We have a '97 and a '99 now."

'Would pay rent, utilities'

He said the move to the fire station would enable them to sell their present building on Plank Road and use the money for squad operations.

"That money would go into the new rigs."

He said they're looking to pay a rent stipend at Moriah Fire Station, plus utilities.

"Any improvements (to the building), we'd clear through them. This will help (financially). It may influence firefighters to join the squad."

They're applying for grants now to help with the purchase of new vehicles, plus power stretchers, and to update equipment like defibrillators.

Moriah Town Supervisor Thomas Scozzafava said members of the squad attended a Town Council meeting to ask for assistance.

"Certainly, they're facing financial difficulties. They didn't ask for any money. They encouraged the town board to at least sustain what we contribute."

He said the town will help them find grants.

"They need a couple more ambulances. We're going to try to find grant dollars. Getting volunteers is always an issue. The entire squad is volunteer."

Makes sense

One thing the squad plans to do in the future is bill insurance companies for transports, Scozzafava said.

"They are negotiating with Moriah Fire District to utilize the space where they used to house the ladder truck they recently sold because it was too expensive to maintain."

Scozzafava said it makes sense for them to be based at the firehouse.

"I think it's a huge step in the right direction in terms of consolidation of services. I hope it pans out."

He said he doesn't believe they'll have a problem selling or leasing the ambulance building.

"The town will work with them to find a tenant for that building. The ultimate decision will rest with the Board of Directors of the Ambulance Squad."

Scozzafava said they talked about possible future uses for the squad's headquarters at Moriah Center.

"There was some discussion of having the (Moriah) Police Department move to that facility or a State Police satellite substation. They (State Police) have not been contacted, nor have they contacted us."

Busy squad

The Moriah Ambulance Squad was founded as a nonprofit community service organization in 1961.

The squad has 15 members, including five emergency medical technicians, two Advanced EMTs and two critical care technicians.

Last year, the group answered 481 emergency calls, 90 of those for advanced life support, and logged 5,500 hours of service.

Their fundraising effort is underway, Paris said.

"Mailers are out."

Donations can be mailed to Town of Moriah Ambulance Squad, P.O. Box 72, Moriah Center, NY 12961.

Prospective members can call 546-7012 to get information on joining the Ambulance Squad.

Email Lohr McKinstry:

lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com

Twitter: @LohrMcKinstry

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