The Newburgh Town Board voted and approved the proposed ambulance district with over 20 members of the Town of Newburgh Emergency Medical Services Inc. [TONEMS] in attendance.

Beginning the meeting, Town Supervisor Gil Piaquadio shared in his opening remarks that the establishment of an ambulance district is vital to keeping residents of the Town of Newburgh safe.

With a round of applause, Piaquadio also thanked TONEMS for their work and service during the on-going pandemic. “They worked tirelessly through the pandemic,” Piaquadio said.

The ambulance district will help the 70 member hybrid EMS organization in addressing rising costs while continuing to provide quality service.

TONEMS will continue to serve town residents. The Plattekill Fire District will continue to provide ambulance services to residents that fall within their district boundaries.

TONEMS Captain Jonathan Fessock, who has been with the organization since 2019, is grateful for the approval made by the town board to establish this ambulance district.

“I’m very happy that it was approved and it went through,” Fessock said. “We have a lot of town residents here and it’s a busy district as things continue to expand”.

Brian Pilus, Chief of Operations for TONEMS, who has worked with the town for over three years, is relieved for the district’s creation.

“I’m just super excited. This is a game changer for us,” Pilus said. “Something like this will allow us to buy newer, better equipment, provide better training more frequently”.

TONEMS Executive Director Christopher Napolitano was truly excited for the work he has done and the conversations he has had leading up to this ambulance district creation.

“I’m excited for the Town of Newburgh EMS, I’m more excited for the people of the Town of Newburgh to be able to have a tight relationship with our organization and we’ll be able to continue serving our community,” Napolitano said.