MANCHESTER — Last week the Manchester Rescue Squad took delivery of a new ambulance. "The new rig replaces the oldest of our three ambulances", said Mike Casey, the squad's Chief Operating Officer. "It was reaching the end of its reliable life."
According to Casey, the cost of the new ambulance was over $123,000.
The Rescue Squad is conducting a fundraising campaign to pay for the new ambulance.
"To date we've raised over $58,000 from community members," said Ben Weiss, Secretary of the squad, "but we need more support to make up the difference."
The squad serves not only Manchester, but five surrounding towns — Danby, Dorset, Mt. Tabor, Rupert and Winhall.
"Most community members don't realize that we receive very little funding from the towns we serve," said Dr. Bob Schwartz, the squad's vice president.
According to Schwartz, only 7 percent of the rescue squad's operating budget comes from Northshire towns.
"We had to borrow $85,000 in order to purchase the new ambulance and related equipment," said Jim Comar, the squad's Treasurer. "We hope community support continues so that we can retire this loan as soon as possible."
The Manchester Rescue Squad was formed in 1964 and provides paramedic-level service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The squad is staffed by EMT certified professionals — 4 full-time, 12 part-time and eight volunteers. Last year the squad responded to
Donations can be sent to Manchester Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 26, Manchester Ctr., VT 05255, or made online at www.manchesterrescuesquad.org.
The squad is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. For more information on the New Ambulance Campaign, call Mike Casey at 362-1995.
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