JACKSON- The Township Council has authorized the sale of four ambulances to the Jackson Township First Aid Squad at the cost of $1.
Council President Alexander Sauickie, Vice President Andrew Kern, Councilman Ken Bressi, Councilman Stephen Chisholm and Councilman Martin Flemming voted to authorize the sale of the vehicles during the Sept. 8 council meeting.
The vehicles are a 2011 Ford E450, a 2008 Ford E450, a 2013 Ford E450 and a 2007 Ford E350.
The vehicles were previously purchased by municipal officials for the first aid squad to be used to provide emergency medical services in Jackson. The vehicles have been insured, fueled and maintained by the first aid squad since they were purchased.
According to a resolution, the first aid squad’s directors wanted to obtain the title to the vehicles to continue to insure, fuel and maintain them.
Municipal officials said in one example, one ambulance is currently inoperable and no longer in service. However, they said the “box” of the vehicle is in good shape and can be used by the first aid squad.
The Jackson Township First Aid Squad, which is based at 38 East Veterans Highway, provides 24-hour coverage for the entire community.
The organization was established in 1953. At the time, the population of the 100-square-mile municipality was about 3,500 residents. Jackson’s estimated population in 2019 was about 57,700 residents.
As of earlier this year, the first aid squad had 68 volunteers. The squad’s chief is the only paid full-time employee. Municipal officials said plans were in the works to hire 25 part-time, per diem employees.
The Jackson Township First Aid Squad may be reached at 732-928-0278 (non-emergency number). In an emergency, dial 911.