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LAMOILLE – The LaMoille Fire Protection District has added a new ambulance to its fleet.
Ambulance Director Sarah Stuepfert and her husband/LaMoille Fire Chief, Ed, brought home the new truck on April 4.
It’s been a two-year process, but the fire protection district is sure they’ve selected and purchased a right fit for the community.
The new service vehicle will replace LaMoille’s second outbound ambulance, which was purchased around 1990, according to Sarah.
The fire district is proud to say the $133,000 purchase was made possible mostly through community donations.
“Our community is incredible for what they provided us,” Sarah said.
About two-thirds of the cost was covered by donations, while the rest was paid for through CDs and fund money in the fire protection district.
The LaMoille Ambulance Service is one of the few services that doesn’t charge a penny for its use. The service survives solely on donations.
Sarah said it’s a “really cool thing” to be able to provide a new rig that is outfitted as well as it is for the community, knowing that the department is solely volunteer and doesn’t make a dime for doing what they do.
“It means more than anything for the community,” she said.
Sarah explained the biggest difference between the old and new ambulances is gas engine vs. diesel.
“We felt we didn’t need another diesel engine … and it will be cheaper for maintenance,” she said.
The new ambulance also has a couple new upgrades from the older ambulance, including a reflective back so it’s more noticeable while on scene, and the red and blue lights on the outside are LED lights.
The new ambulance is expected to last up to 20 years. Sarah explained the first 10 years, it will be the first outbound ambulance, and the second 10 years it will be moved over to be the second outbound ambulance.
The new ambulance has to be inspected by the local public health department to make sure it’s properly stocked and ready for use before it’s an official outbound ambulance. Sarah anticipates it should be ready for use by the end of the week.
The LaMoille Fire Protection District is planning an open house during LaMoille’s annual Buffalo Days in June. The community is welcome to visit and check out the new ambulance along with the fire department’s new vehicles, which were purchased at the end of last year.
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