The Troy Fire Department is operating with three ambulances available 24/7, this has been the case since April 1st. The community is advocating for a fourth ambulance to be reinstated, which was previously operational for 24 hours from January to March this year.

The lack of a 4th 24/7 ambulance can leave the city without immediate emergency support during peak times, according to Troy Firefighters Union President Jeffrey Ward. The problem is more prevalent when simultaneous calls occur.

In the Troy Fire Department, fire trucks and ambulances are cross-staffed, meaning firefighters are also EMTs. When an ambulance responds to a call, it can sometimes take a firetruck out of service.

The city has formed a task force involving the mayor, fire chief, and firefighters’ union to explore sustainable funding solutions. The task force is expected to wrap up in a few weeks.

Mutual aid from neighboring agencies provides services when necessary. However, the goal remains to achieve permanent 24/7 coverage for the city’s ambulance services, according to Troy’s Mayor Carmella Mantello.

Mantello said the 4th ambulance, Medic 3, would cost about 1 million dollars a year, and that the city’s goal is to find to way to make it happen. Medic 3 is funded by money from ARPA, which is covid relief funding that is set to run out by the end of this year.

Learn about some of the challenges they said they’re facing when trying to make it a reality by watching the video of Zach Richter’s story.