JAMESTOWN, NY – November 15, 2024 – The City of Jamestown proudly announces the deployment of its long-anticipated second ambulance, a critical step in meeting the city’s rising emergency medical needs. After years of planning and operational delays, this additional ambulance is now fully operational, helping to reduce response times and alleviate the city’s reliance on mutual aid services.
In early 2022, City Council initiated discussions about the need for additional staff and resources to meet the rising demand for emergency services, including the addition of a second ambulance to the Jamestown Fire Department. This was in response to a significant rise in emergency calls, from 155 in 2013 to over 1,200 in recent years. At this time, Council unanimously approved a resolution to hire additional firefighters, with the expectation that a follow-up resolution to purchase the second ambulance would soon follow. However, it was not until April 2023—nearly 11 months later—that the resolution for the ambulance was introduced. At that time, the City Council unanimously approved $250,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding, with the goal of having the ambulance operational by the end of 2023.
“Bringing this second ambulance into service has been a long journey, and I thank everyone who helped us reach this milestone,” said Mayor Kimberly Ecklund. “Now fully operational, it allows us to handle emergency calls in-house, maximize the capabilities of the fully staffed Jamestown Fire Department, and generate additional revenue that will benefit the city in 2025 and beyond. This is a major step forward for both the safety and financial stability of Jamestown.”
Deputy Fire Chief Matt Coon echoed the sentiment: “This is a significant upgrade to our city’s emergency response capabilities. The second ambulance enables us to meet the needs of our residents more effectively, and we are grateful for the support and collaboration that made this possible.”
Tim Jackson, Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety, added “The addition of a second ambulance enhances our ability to respond to medical emergencies, benefiting both the citizens of Jamestown and our first responders. This long-awaited and much-needed addition to the Jamestown Fire Department represents a crucial investment in the safety and well-being of our community.”
The deployment of the second ambulance enhances emergency response capabilities, ensuring faster, more efficient care for residents in critical situations. With rising demand for emergency medical services, this addition not only relieves pressure on existing resources but also improves service delivery, safeguarding the health and well-being of the community.
Additionally, the new ambulance positively impacts the city’s financial outlook. By increasing EMS capacity, Jamestown anticipates higher revenue from EMS services in 2025 and beyond, reducing dependency on mutual aid while capturing more calls directly. This sustainable approach strengthens the city’s budget, ensuring continued investment in public safety while meeting the evolving needs of its residents.
