West New York’s Emergency Medical Squad will gain a second location now that the town has given it a non-occupied firehouse at 66th Street to use.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony a week ago Wednesday, Mayor Sal Vega said, “The building is in good shape and we are happy we are able to acquire it.”
The Emergency Medical Squad is a paid group of 26 people who work in shifts, with two workers per truck.
The current EMS house is located on 62nd street and houses three trucks with a newly acquired fourth truck, said West New York Director of Police Albert Bringa.
Since the squad is expanding, the town decided it needed a second home.
“This is a great opportunity to have this new facility and receive this recognition.” – Carmen Negron, EMT supervisor
____________
“This is a lot bigger facility in the middle of everything,” said EMT Byron Forte.
The squad is waiting for final touches and permits before they can move in.
“An engineer and architect will modify the house so two EMS trucks can fit, as well as provide sleeping quarters for EMT staff,” Bringa said. “We will expand the entryway by extending the parking space and modify two interior spaces for the sleeping quarters.”
Future renovations
Bringa also said, “In an emergency we will be able to provide mutual aid to the nearby towns of North Bergen and Guttenberg.”
Renovation will begin within two weeks and be finished by June, said Vega. “We will have more coverage between both EMS Houses in West New York,” he said.
Town Commissioner Lawrence Riccardi thanked the EMT staff for their work in the community and emphasized how within four years, the EMS fleet has grown from two trucks in average condition to four efficiently running trucks.
“This is a great opportunity to have this new facility and receive this recognition,” said Carmen Negron, an EMT supervisor.
Santo Sanabria may be reached at SSanabria@hudsonreporter.com.