Ambulance fleet in need of repair

By Rose Sgarlato
ANDOVER — Lakeland Emergency Squad’s ambulance fleet is in need of serious repair and appealed to council for funding at Monday’s Andover Township Council meeting.

Past chief and squad member Rourke Day presented the committee and public with facts and figures along with a plan that rehabilitates two ambulances without purchasing new ones.

Started in 1939 as an underwater rescue group and expanding in 1950 to ambulance and first aid service, Lakeland EMS is a volunteer organization serving Andover Borough, Andover Township and Byram Township covering an area of 50 square miles.

In 2003, Andover and Byram Townships each purchased an ambulance. In 2009, an additional one was purchased with both towns sharing the cost bringing the total fleet to four.

Lakeland EMS is asking for a financial commitment from both towns for replacing the chassis on the existing 12-year-old vehicles.

Day explained that the ‘box’ of the vehicle comes off and gets refurbished. The new chassis would also modernize the vehicles to four-wheel drive.

“When we go out in the snow, it’s a hope and a prayer,” said Day. “The re-chassis would replace wear and tear and would save up to 40 percent.”

Day added that a brand new 2016 four-wheel drive ambulance runs approximately $220,000. To put on a new chassis costs around $145,000, Day said.

The estimates quoted do not include any new equipment.

“One of the electrical systems is off also. We work with what we have including some lights off,” said Day.

Committee member Tom Walsh asked if the project could be staggered more into next year considering that Lakeland’s request is not a line item in the 2015 budget.

Deputy mayor Janice McGovern suggested third-party billing.

“We are researching that and open to all suggestions,” Day said. “This service has been free of charge for the last 67 years.”

Both Sparta and Hopatcong use third-party billing, a system where insurance information is taken and used for billing purposes.

Day added that third-party billing may be a future goal of Lakeland EMS but takes several months to set up, and payments are initially delayed.

“We are looking to be self-sufficient over the next five years,” said Day. "I am hopeful that this may be the last time we come to you for help.”

The committee is well informed of the condition of the vehicles and had prior discussions on the matter in 2013. Members were in agreement that Lakeland EMS is a valuable service to residents of Andover Township, and it’s volunteers need the support of the council.

Walsh said he would speak with chief financial officer Gail Magura to discuss if there were any available funds.

Day suggested Andover and Byram splitting the cost of one vehicle repair to ease the situation.

Byram Township council has also heard Lakeland’s request but no decision has been made yet.

Lakeland EMS fields between 1,200 and 1,300 calls a year, 900 of which are transports to local doctors’ offices, day centers, Newton Hospital and nursing homes.