The Slocum Township Ambulance and the township’s public works department recently moved into the ambulance association’s new building at 957 Blue Ridge Trail.
Built by Bruce Fine Construction, the 100-by-60-foot building has three bays for the ambulance association and three bays for the township road department. The two spaces are separated by an interior wall with a door that allows access to both sides.
“The township supervisors are the best,” said ambulance Capt. Ted Wiaterowski just minutes after returning from a car crash to which the association’s two ambulances responded. “If it were not for the township giving us the land, we wouldn’t be here.”
The veteran ambulance captain pointed out the new location has much more space than the previous building it shared with the fire department.
“It’s a big improvement. We should have done this years ago,” he commented.
In addition to space for its two ambulances, the building has a fully equipped kitchen, a meeting/lounge area for volunteers, a generator, security cameras, a bathroom, showers and an office.
Wiaterowski said the building has radiant heat, which is fueled by propane. He noted the location, behind the township building, allows the responders better access to the township’s roadways.
“There’s no more traffic we have to fight with,” he explained.
Last year, the all-volunteer department responded to 532 calls with 109 in the township. The department, which has 25 volunteers, assists 18 other municipalities.
Charles Herring, chairman of the township board of supervisors, said he was pleased the township and the ambulance association were able to cooperate on the project.
“The ambulance response is quicker and the township now can put its equipment inside on heated floors,” he noted.
The structure cost $558,000 to build. Wiaterowski pointed out construction costs were funded through ambulance association investments, donations from residents and businesses, and fundraisers.
“There were no grants involved,” he said. “The township gave us the land and we raised the money. We’ve been prudent with out investments over the years.”
Recently, the township donated $15,000 to the ambulance association from funds remaining in its refuse collection account. It also donated $10,000 to the township volunteer fire department which is in the process of constructing a new fire headquarters.
The fire captain also pointed out the new building is available for rentals for gatherings such as graduation and birthday parties and weddings. The department already has three events booked, including a wedding. The hall is available to rent for $300 and can accommodate about 175 people.
For information on becoming a volunteer, making a donation or renting the hall, call 570 868-2207 and leave a message.
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