By Dave Sutor
The Tribune-Democrat
ST. MICHAEL, Pa. – Forest Hills Area Ambulance Association has been awarded a $310,000 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development grant to purchase a new ambulance.
“With how insurance reimbursements are down so much for ambulances and with everyday costs rising, this isn’t something that we’d be able to afford (if not for the grant),” said Eric Miller, manager of Forest Hills EMS.
It will replace a nearly 10-year-old vehicle that is approaching 200,000 miles.
Miller said the older ambulance is “starting to nickel and dime us on repairs” as the association is “just patching it together to keep it going.”
Arnie Nadonoley, president of the ambulance association, further explained the benefit of getting a new ambulance, saying, “Our coverage area increased last November when the Portage Area Ambulance Association closed its doors. This new vehicle will be the third ambulance in our fleet and allow us to better serve Portage Borough, Portage Township, Wilmore Borough and portions of Summerhill Township.”
State Rep. Jim Rigby, R- Ferndale, supported the grant application.
“It was just great we were able to do that. … It was great working with them,” said Rigby, a House Fire and EMS Caucus member. “I’m glad that we were able to deliver for them. It’s not an easy thing to do sometimes now.”
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