It appears the Town of Sweden will continue with Monroe Ambulance as primary responder for ambulance services.
Despite an effort by some residents in the community to have the Town Board cancel their contract with Monroe and designate Brockport Ambulance Corps as primary responder, Sweden Town Board members July 28 didn’t take any action regarding ambulance service, indicating they will continue with Monroe.
Under New York State Law, municipalities must cancel their current ambulance contracts by August 20 each year if they want to re-negotiate or enter into a different contract. The July 28 Sweden Town Board meeting was the last before that August 20 deadline.
During the public comment session of the meeting, Brockport Ambulance Chief Cody Dean asked board members not to renew the primary responder contract with Monroe and noted the public support Brockport Ambulance has received.
Two Sweden residents then expressed mixed opinions.
Pete Hare said Monroe Ambulance has done an outstanding job.
“I’ve been offended as I ride around the village looking at signs telling us in Sweden we have to do this. Do not change anything. Leave things alone,” he said.
Residents in the village and town who support Brockport Ambulance have placed signs in their yards calling for the change.
Resident Dean Westcott said Sweden should return to Brockport Ambulance as its primary responder. “Go back and sign with the Brockport Ambulance Corps,” he told town board members. “I’m still standing here because of the Brockport Ambulance.”
Westcott explained that the Brockport Ambulance saved his life after suffering a heart attack.
Monroe Ambulance Deputy Chief Mike Bove reported to the board and said Monroe is dedicated to the Brockport community and has 34 employees who live, attend church, and are involved in the greater Brockport area.
He reported on the number of requests for service from July 2014 – June 2015 from Sweden, Clarkson, Hamlin and Eastern Orleans County.
The total calls numbered 4,318, with Monroe answering 98-99 percent, Bove said. His report included 1,417 calls from the Strong West facility. “Strong West averages five calls a day,” he noted.
Bove also announced that Monroe Ambulance is working to implement a community paramedic program that will provide non-emergency care performed by paramedics in patients’ homes.
“It should be ready to roll out by fall,” he said.
“I understand it’s a difficult decision,” Bove told town board members regarding ambulance service, “but you have to do what is right for the majority of residents.”
