TREVORTON - When the Trevorton Ambulance squad purchases a new vehicle, they see it as a chance to help someone else. It's become tradition to donate the older vehicle to another squad.
That's exactly what members did Saturday, when squad president Gene Geise handed over the keys to a 1994 ambulance to the Lower Augusta Township Fire Company.
"We have our new ambulance in service, so we want to make sure the old one keeps doing some good," Geise said.
Rodger Babnew, president of the Lower Augusta Township Fire Company, said the company is considering adding a second quick response unit, so the donation comes at a perfect time.
"When Gene called us, I was so surprised," Babnew said. "We are very appreciative of their generosity."
Assistant chief Mark Minnier said the donation from Trevorton will help the company be more of a help to their neighbors.
"A second unit will give us the opportunity to have a better response in different areas of the township," he said.
Third such donation
The gift marks the third time Trevorton Ambulance has donated an old vehicle to another organization.
"The first time, we gave it Mountain View Manor to help them transport patients," Geise said. "The second time, the ambulance went to Shamokin Area Community Hospital when they were starting up their Medic 9 Quick Response units."
The new Trevorton Ambulance, a 2011 Ford, cost approximately $58,000 and was purchased with funds raised over 16 years.
"Every penny spent on the ambulance comes from either public donations or through grants," the president said.
The new model features many state-of-the-art items that affect function and safety.
Secretary Sharon Hoffman pointed out six-point harness seat belts that will allow emergency personnel to work on patients but not be "whipped around" while the ambulance is in motion.
The squad will also save money on fuel because the new rig runs on gasoline and not diesel fuel like the old one.
Trevorton's new vehicle was put into service March 12 thanks to volunteer Sue Houser, who affixed the proper decals. Officials have been pretty pleased with the new ambulance.
"(It) runs so much smoother and quieter. It is a much improved ride than the other one," Geise said.
Officials hope the new ambulance will attract people who would like to help others.
"We are always looking for volunteers to help with the ambulance service," Geise said. "We need more people in our ranks."