Hardyston strikes deal with Sparta for daytime ambulance service

HARDYSTON — Hardyston Township and the Sparta Ambulance squad recently came to terms on an agreement that will bring daytime emergency service to the township.

Acording to the agreement the Sparta Ambulance Squad will be available to the townshp between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday when dispatched to respond to a service call. The agreement makes the Sparta Ambulance Squad the first and primary ambulance service in the township during those hours.

If Sparta is unable to respond, Hardyston First Aid Squad will be dispatched, but if Hardyston is unavailable, an alternative paid service will be dispatched.

According to a news release from Township Manager Marianne Smith, officials have been aware that other work and family commitments have made it difficult for volunteers to be available during daytime hours Monday through Friday.

The Hardyston First Aid Squad will continue to service the township between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Friday and during all weekends.

According to Smith, Hardyston and Sparta town officials have noted several benefits, including the ability to have two fully staffed ambulances during the daythime hours. In the case one vehicle is down for repairs, Hardyston could provide a loaner for a short period of time.

Franklin recently came to a similar agreement with the Sparta Ambulance Squad.

"This is another example of how local municipalities are benefiting from creative and innovative joint shared service initiatives," Smith said in the release.

The Township Council, in an effort to aid and support the Hardyston Township First Aid Squad rebuild its agency, adopted an additional resolution requiring the squad enlist the assistance of its own legal counsel to review all of their organizational documents and protocols and provide the Township Council with a report of any recommended amendments to its by-laws or other organizational documents and policies.