FHVAC and Sen. Stavisky Unveil New Ambulance

Tess McRae, Communications Director

Flushing, NY—Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing), joined by City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Rep. Grace Meng, State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr., Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi’s office, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, and the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps unveiled a new ambulance.

The vehicle, purchased with funds from New York State and allocated by Senator Stavisky, will replace an ambulance that was hemorrhaging FHVAC’s funds on repairs, despite it being relatively new. The new ambulance joins a fleet of two other vehicles, including a 2009 Chevy Suburban emergency ambulance service vehicle and a 2002 Fort Type 2 van ambulance.

“The $100,000 in capital money I allocated for a new ambulance is money well spent,” State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said. “EMS workers are among the first line of defense when someone is in danger and having an up-to-date ambulance can make all the difference. I am so proud to help the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps, a group of individuals who truly exemplify how much of a difference everyday people can make in their community. Thank you so much for all that you do and I hope this new ambulance will help save dozens of lives in the future.”

The members of The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps are extremely pleased to place our new ambulance into service for the community,” Yaron Cohen of the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps. “Without the efforts of our Senator, Toby Ann Stavisky, the acquisition of this life saving piece of equipment would not have been possible. We are sincerely grateful for the confidence the Senator has placed in our organization. We promise to put the ambulance to its best use, to do much good for the people of Forest Hills, Rego Park, and New York. “

“The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps does a great job responding to emergencies in the Forest Hills-Rego Park area, and this new ambulance will allow its volunteers to serve the community even better,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens). “It is critical that first responders have all the resources and equipment they need since every second counts when saving lives, treating injuries or rescuing individuals from danger. Thank you to all the members of the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps for being on the front lines, and many thanks to Senator Stavisky for allocating these important funds. I’m proud to take part in this ambulance dedication.”

“The addition of this new ambulance to the fleet of emergency response vehicles for our community is a welcomed asset to ensure that our residents are given the most immediate medical attention when necessary. I applaud the efforts which Senator Stavisky has put forth to acquire this vehicle, along with the dedicated and continued work of the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps. These volunteers are exemplary residents of our neighborhoods, and I commend them for their contributions to our health and safety.” - Assemblyman Andrew D. Hevesi 

“I commend Senator Stavisky for allocating the funds necessary to purchase a new ambulance for the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which provides vital emergency medical services to the people of Forest Hills and Rego Park,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “These volunteers are on the front lines everyday providing necessary medical services to those in need and they can’t complete their mission without the necessary equipment to get the job done right.”

“I want to salute Senator Toby Ann Stavisky for securing the funding for a brand new ambulance for the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp. This new vehicle is a definite upgrade that will result in enhanced and more reliable emergency service for this community,” Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz said.

About the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps

The FHVAC was formed in 1971 when EMS coverage was limited. Primary coverage was expanded to Rego Park in 1997. Now, the organization dispatches with every other ambulance in New York City by the FDNY Mutual Aid Response.

 

###