By EMS1 Staff
WESTERLY, R.I. — The nation’s oldest private volunteer ambulance agency will celebrate its 100th anniversary Saturday.
The Westerly Sun reported that the Westerly Ambulance Corps will open its doors for a “Century of Service” open house celebration.
“For most people, the only time they see us is when there is an emergency or in a time of need,” Assistant Chief Michael T. Brancato said. “One of the goals of the open house is to eliminate that emergency, to give people an opportunity to stop in a relaxed atmosphere to really see what it is we do. I’m excited and think this will provide a chance to see the corps in a different light.”
Founded in 1917, the Westerly Ambulance Corps has grown into a department with five ambulances and a dispatch center that boasts some of the most modern technology available. Emergency dispatching services are provided for the organization, as well as for 14 other EMS agencies in the region.
“Even over just the past 25 years, there’s a lot that has changed,” past Commander J. William Gibney said. “Even in looking at just the technology and training, the growth within the organization and the industry has been amazing.”
The year-long celebration has included a new logo, a memorial at the grave of founder Dr. Frank Payne and recognition from Governor Gina Raimondo.