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New Ambulances Arrive in North Adams

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
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The North Adams Ambulance Serviced accepted the delivery of two brand-new ambulances today. Manager John Meaney Jr. stands with the new Unit 1.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Twins were delivered this morning to 10 Harris St., making for a very happy crew at North Adams Ambulance Service.

Named Unit 1 and Unit 3, they've been eagerly awaited since the previous Unit 3 went up in flames last September. The service has been using a used 1994 ambulance purchased from New Jersey as a backup Unit 3.

"They both have less than a thousand miles on them," beamed service Manager John Meaney Jr., adding it was a big relief to have the new ambulances.


This vehicle replaces one that caught fire last year. The units are delivered as shells so they can equipped or modified by the service.
There was originally only going to be one ambulance, the replacement for Unit 3, itself only a year old when the cab caught fire. The manufacturer, Yankee Fire and Rescue Inc. of Palmer, offered a discount for two, so it was decided to replace the aging Unit 1 at the same time. The service replaces its vehicles depending on usage.

The 2009 ambulances cost $92,000 each. Delivered as "shells," they were being prepared for service with radios and equipment.

Meaney said Unit 1 should be on the road today; Unit 3 should be ready tomorrow. There would be no lapse of coverage while the units were being switched over.

The ambulances will operate on 30-day licenses until they can be inspected and certified by the state.

Meaney said the 1994 vehicle will be maintained as a backup and stored off-site; the new 2009s will join Unit 2, a 2005 model.

"We have a really solid fleet now," said Meaney.
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Windsor Man Promoted to Major in National Guard

WINDSOR, Mass. — Corbin Lounsbury of Windsor was recently promoted to major in the New York Army National Guard.
 
Major Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
 
Lounsbury, assigned to Cyber Protection Team 173, received a promotion Sept. 5 to the rank of major.
 
Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier's overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism, and future development potential. These promotions recognize the best-qualified soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.
 
There are 20,000 members in New York's Army, Air National Guard, the Naval Militia, and the New York Guard. They are managed by the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, the state's executive agency responsible to the governor.
 
Guardsmen and women are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits, international travel, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance, and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).
 
For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.
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