The membership drive is on for Escalon Community Ambulance, its annual effort to bring more community residents into the fold, to 'join the generations' that are already members.
The local community ambulance service has bee in existence for 50 years - marking its golden anniversary earlier this year - and has been at the Ullrey Avenue station for 20 years. It is a member-supported service, with both individual and family membership available.
Membership means discounts on needed ambulance services and many in the community also contribute annually to equipment needs, which have helped the ECA maintain its service fleet and add state of the art equipment.
"All of us at Escalon Community Ambulance are aware of the sacrifices so many people have made to start and bring us to today," ECA Chief Mike Pitassi wrote in the July newsletter. "We are proud of that service and wish to carry it on with the same dedication and pride those before us did. As we launch this year's drive for new members, we hope all of you will continue to support this vital life saving service. We ask that you share the reasons you support ECA with your friends and neighbors."
Pitassi said equipment needs this year are to replace 20-year-old monitors, with four new ones needed at a cost of about $30,000 apiece.
Renewal notices went out to current ECA members this past week and mailers to local residents not already members are encouraging their participation in the community ambulance as well.
"Our 50th year corresponds with the marking of 20 years in our facility located at 1480 Ullrey Ave.," added Pitassi. "We painted the place, fixed the floors, remodeled the offices and replaced some old beds. Nothing earthshaking, but necessary costs that were covered by those that have supported the service with their contributions."
Pitassi said the ECA board has been a good steward of the community's money, putting it to work wisely.
"All of us who work as career and reserve Paramedics and EMT's sincerely wish to thank you for your support. It is an honor and privilege to be of service to you," Pitassi noted. "As I have said before, ECA is not tax supported, we depend on you "using the service" along with your donations and membership support. Every dollar you send ECA is spent for the provision of this service, so, whenever you hear the siren sound in the distance, your treasure is at work."
For more information on membership, contact ECA at 838-1351.
The local community ambulance service has bee in existence for 50 years - marking its golden anniversary earlier this year - and has been at the Ullrey Avenue station for 20 years. It is a member-supported service, with both individual and family membership available.
Membership means discounts on needed ambulance services and many in the community also contribute annually to equipment needs, which have helped the ECA maintain its service fleet and add state of the art equipment.
"All of us at Escalon Community Ambulance are aware of the sacrifices so many people have made to start and bring us to today," ECA Chief Mike Pitassi wrote in the July newsletter. "We are proud of that service and wish to carry it on with the same dedication and pride those before us did. As we launch this year's drive for new members, we hope all of you will continue to support this vital life saving service. We ask that you share the reasons you support ECA with your friends and neighbors."
Pitassi said equipment needs this year are to replace 20-year-old monitors, with four new ones needed at a cost of about $30,000 apiece.
Renewal notices went out to current ECA members this past week and mailers to local residents not already members are encouraging their participation in the community ambulance as well.
"Our 50th year corresponds with the marking of 20 years in our facility located at 1480 Ullrey Ave.," added Pitassi. "We painted the place, fixed the floors, remodeled the offices and replaced some old beds. Nothing earthshaking, but necessary costs that were covered by those that have supported the service with their contributions."
Pitassi said the ECA board has been a good steward of the community's money, putting it to work wisely.
"All of us who work as career and reserve Paramedics and EMT's sincerely wish to thank you for your support. It is an honor and privilege to be of service to you," Pitassi noted. "As I have said before, ECA is not tax supported, we depend on you "using the service" along with your donations and membership support. Every dollar you send ECA is spent for the provision of this service, so, whenever you hear the siren sound in the distance, your treasure is at work."
For more information on membership, contact ECA at 838-1351.
