Essex Center’s Ambulance Donation

As featured in The Press Republican

The end of the road is in sight for Elizabethtown-Lewis Emergency Squad’s 17-year-old ambulance.

Nearly 270 calls per year and more than 100,000 engine miles have taken their toll on the 2000 vehicle.

The squad is now seeking the community’s help in raising the remaining $60,000 needed to purchase a new ambulance.

\"We’re doing everything we can to keep the cost down for the taxpayers,\" board President Patty Bashaw said.

\"Thanks to town contracts with Elizabethtown and Lewis, and some additional fundraising, we have two-thirds of the cost covered — about $84,000.\"

Bashaw said the squad hopes to trade in the old ambulance on a new one or that someone will purchase it.

Elizabethtown’s Essex Center, a physical rehab facility, has pledged to match all donations up to $5,000 through September.

William Wohltjen, regional marketing director for Essex Center and Centers Health Care, is excited for the opportunity to be so involved.

\"We are committed to our community. This is a service we use and rely on,\" he said.