Tolland Fire Department Getting 'Much-Needed' Ambulance

TOLLAND, CT — The Tolland Fire Department can now fill what Chief John Littell a week ago said is a dire need for another ambulance.

In a special meeting Tuesday, the council adopted a resolution that appropriates up to $230,000 for the purchase of a used ambulance. Half the amount would be drawn from the American Rescue Plan Fund and half from the Ambulance Reserve Fund, according to the resolution.

"This puts us in better shape," Littell said Wednesday.

Littell told Patch that he inquired about the purchase since the department has been experiencing numerous ambulance maintenance issues that have taken them out of service "often." Compounding the problem is a frustrating back order situation for the purchase of new ambulances. It will be two years ago on Oct. 20 that orders were placed for the ambulances, he said.

"We still don't have a VIN number for either," Littell said, adding that "significant delays" are due to supply chain and manufacturing constraints.

For several years there had been discussions regarding the purchase of a third ambulance to either keep as a reserve vehicle or to potentially be put into full-time service, Littell said.

The council determined it was "in the best interest of the town" to purchase a used ambulance to keep in reserve or for use wen the main fleet is depleted.

"The demands for used ambulances are challenging and when one becomes available it is impossible to move quickly with a purchase due to no appropriation being in place," town officials said.

Littell said a used ambulance has been pinpointed out of Pennsylvania.

Town Manager Brian Foley said, moving forward with the purchase is "an interim measure to ensure community safety."

The ARPA Subcommittee met on Sept. 28 to approve the plan.

Littell said the ambulance shortages are not just Tolland's issue, but a "nationwide problem."