Overview:

The Athol Fire Department has received a new ambulance, which was purchased using funds from an existing revolving account and a grant from the Emergency Rural Healthcare Grant Program. The final cost of the ambulance was approximately $423,000, and it was manufactured by Life Line Emergency Vehicles. The ambulance will be housed at the Uptown Fire Station, along with another vehicle, while a third, older vehicle will be located at the Downtown Fire Station.

ATHOL – On Monday, the Athol Fire Department took possession of a new ambulance, the purchase of which was approved by Town Meeting in October 2022.

At that time, the voters approved the use of $425,000 from an existing revolving account made up of ambulance revenues set aside to cover purchases and costs related to outfitting the vehicles. At the time of the vote there was just over $428,000 in the account.

In 2023, Town Manager Shaun Suhoski secured $437,000 through the Emergency Rural Healthcare Grant Program. According to Fire Chief Jeff Parker, $233,000 of that was applied to the purchase of the ambulance, with the remainder coming from the ambulance revolving account.

Athol Fire Capt. Eric Jack said Wednesday afternoon that the final cost of the ambulance was approximately $423,000. It was manufactured by Life Line Emergency Vehicles, headquartered in Sumner, Iowa, and purchased through Specialty Vehicles of North Attleboro.

At the last fall Town Meeting, Suhoski explained that the town tries to replace one of its two ambulances at least every eight years on a rotating basis.

Parker said two ambulances would be housed at the Uptown Fire Station. The third, older vehicle will be at the Downtown Fire Station on Exchange Street.

Parker added that it would still be several weeks before the new ambulance is officially put into service, as equipment needs to be purchased to properly outfit the vehicle. In addition, the ambulance must pass a series of inspections and receive all necessary permits and licenses.

In the meantime, said Parker, Fire Department personnel will be given the opportunity to get behind the wheel to better accustom themselves to the feel of the vehicle and become familiar with its handling.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.