To The Editor:
I am writing to express my support for allocating funding to purchase a new ambulance for Westport’s EMS.
At the Selectmen’s meeting on the ARPA funds, it was recommended the town provide funding for this purchase and I believe it makes complete sense for Westport to fund a new ambulance, particularly because EMS has relied solely on their own fundraising efforts in the past to acquire much-needed equipment.
This is not a sustainable funding strategy. I strongly believe Westport should provide the funding so that our Westport EMS volunteers can continue to provide this critical service to the Westport community.
Thank you,
Lisa Finn
Thank you for your support on this matter. WVEMS has staffed and purchased all of the equipment for WEMS for the past 40 years thanks to the generosity of the people of Westport. We have no intention of changing that practice however we view these funds as a once in a lifetime opportunity to use a small fraction of them to directly serve the town of Westport as it was intended. I am hard pressed to think of a more deserving project. Our staff responds to 911 calls 24/7/365 putting ourselves in harms way including during Covid. Our ambulances are all reaching the end of their service lives and we are only asking for partial funding to replace one of them. WVEMS will take care of the rest of the funding thanks to your donations. Thank you all.
Michael Burns / President WVEMS
As a Westport resident who at any time may need to rely upon the stellar and essential services of the WVEMS and the WEMS, I heartily second Ms. Finn’s and Mr. Burns. comments.
Moreover, in my opinion, the use of a relatively small portion of the $8.4 million AARPA funds is in keeping with the intention of the funding for local improvements for the benefit public health, safety and welfare.
Think about the importance of replacing an ambulance in a timely fashion whenever you see an ambulance rushing to the scene of an accident or hear the wail of it’s siren as you go about your business each day.
It’s the very least we can do for an organization that relies upon us as at any time we may need to rely upon the speed and efficiency of its vehicles and equipment.