Rescue squad updates equipment

OGDENSBURG-The First Aid Squad of Ogdensburg had the daunting task of choosing a new ambulance to purchase. Within 18 months, they raised $31,783 to be used as the down payment and investigated seven vendors before selecting a Medtec Ambulance Corporation's Field Duty Type III FD-160 as the "best value" for now and the future. The new vehicle is replacing a 1990 model which is too small to accommodate modern emergency medical services. The ambulance is no longer just a vehicle to transport emergency patients. Dominic Pietrodangelo, a member of the Ambulance Committee, explained that more room is required because medics accompany the patients while performing evaluations and often life-saving measures. Several neighboring towns have either bought or are considering buying the same model. Previously, the borough and squad agreed to jointly purchase the vehicle, and the committee negotiated a price that included a $3,500 discount. The donations collected by the First Aid Squad will be the down payment, with the borough completing the transaction with five annual payments of $13,473.84. The "box," the main cabin of the rig, is one of the largest of its type built by the manufacturer and allows for full walk-around headroom. Mayor Jacqueline Pietrodangelo thanked the Ambulance Committee for its conscientious work in accomplishing a workable deal, and congratulated them for having "done a great job in raising that amount" particularly because the entire squad consists of only 16 members. The First Aid Squad is conducting a recruitment drive for new members.