Tri-Town Ambulance Association

05/23/2026

EMT students Rosie Kutz, Louise Cooney, and Kyler Rice are taking part in the course in Tioga County and they and their peers are currently in the lab portion of the program.

We are of these three as well as many other EMT students currently in our program around the region. Thank you for your hard work to serve our area! 👏 🚑 🩺

05/22/2026

“EMS Week is a reminder that the quiet and often unseen work of first responders matters. This job is demanding - physically, mentally, and emotionally - and we don't always meet people on their best days or receive appreciation in the moment. Having a week that shines light on the dedication, training, and heart it takes to show up anyway means a lot. It honors the teams who keep answering the call and reinforces why we do it; to serve our communities with skill and compassion. It's also a chance to invite others in - to see the impact they can make and consider stepping up in their own way.”

Louise Cooney, a current EMT student at NPRC, currently serves as a firefighter with Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Company - Station 47 and an emergency medical responder with Tri-Town Ambulance Association. She’s currently in NPRC’s EMT class to advance in her career and provide more advanced training. After this, she plans to become an advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) and hopes in the future she can work in EMS for a career. “Realistically, that may be a couple of years down the road. But my long-term goal is to keep advancing in this field and serving my community at a higher level.”

As a third-generation public safety professional, service really is in Cooney’s blood. “Both of my grandfathers and my father served as firefighters, and I was practically raised in Station 20 (Harrison Valley). Growing up around real-life heroes shaped who I am. I have a heart for service and a deep level of compassion, and I consider it an honor to able to be the there for people on their worst days. When I first joined the fire company, I wasn't sure where I'd fit in EMS. That changed when I started my EMR program and began taking calls. The hands-on experience showed me this is my calling, where my heart truly is, and that I have a natural instinct for this work I hadn't realized before. EMS has given me a clear sense of purpose and I'm grateful for the chance to keep learning and to keep showing up for my community.”

NPRC’s EMT class is the current step for Louise to be able to keep growing in providing care, and she’s enjoyed her experience over the last several months. “I've absolutely loved this class. The program is well-structured and organized. You can tell the team put real thought into making the process clear and streamlined. Dave Pelachik is an outstanding instructor whose passion for EMS comes through in every lesson. He challenges us, supports us, and genuinely wants to see us grow and excel.”

To future emergency medical service workers, Cooney hopes by making a difference she cannot only save lives, but advocate for more people to take the leap into this industry. “I hope that my hard work and dedication will inspire others to take the initiative and join wherever they can. I truly believe everyone can make a difference.”

We are of you, Louise! Keep up the great work!

03/10/2026

03/07/2026

🚑 WHAT DOES AN AMBULANCE REALLY COST? 🚑

When people see an ambulance driving down the road, most think of emergency lights, sirens, and the crew inside ready to help. What many don’t see is the significant investment required to place that ambulance on the road — fully equipped, staffed, and ready to respond 24/7.

Today, we want to provide some transparency and help our community understand what goes into the cost of a single ambulance.

An ambulance is far more than just a vehicle. It is essentially a mobile emergency room designed to bring advanced medical care directly to you during your worst moments.

💰 Here is a breakdown of what it takes to equip just ONE ambulance:
• Ambulance vehicle – approximately $350,000
• Cardiac monitor – $60,000
• Powered stretcher – $60,000
• Stair chair – $18,000
• IV pump – $2,000
• LUCAS chest compression device – $16,000
• Glidescope airway equipment – $3,000
• Backboard – $1,000
• Miscellaneous medical supplies & equipment – $25,000
• iPad & connectivity systems – $1,000

➡️ Total cost for one fully equipped ambulance: approximately $536,000

And when you look at a fleet of 8 ambulances, the investment climbs to roughly $4,288,000 — and that number only reflects equipment and vehicle costs.

What this DOESN’T include:
✔️ Highly trained paramedics and EMTs
✔️ Ongoing education and certifications
✔️ Fuel, maintenance, and repairs
✔️ Medical supply restocking
✔️ Insurance and compliance requirements
✔️ Communications and dispatch infrastructure
✔️ Facility costs and operational support

Emergency medical services operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — whether we are responding to a cardiac arrest, a serious crash, a medical emergency at home, or providing lifesaving care while transporting a patient to definitive treatment.

🚨 Why share this?
Because we believe in transparency. EMS is an essential service, and understanding the true cost helps explain why ambulances are such a critical investment in community safety and healthcare access.

Every time you see an ambulance on the road, remember: it represents not just a vehicle, but a significant commitment to preparedness, lifesaving technology, and the people who serve this community.

We are proud to serve Morgan County and thankful for the support of our residents, partner agencies, and healthcare providers who help make this level of service possible.

❤️ Thank you for trusting us when seconds matter.

02/14/2026

02/09/2026

Con-Ed Wednesday @1800

01/11/2026

🚑 Tri-Town Volunteer Ambulance – 2026 Officers Announced

Tri-Town Volunteer Ambulance is proud to announce our elected officers for 2026:

President / Chief: Tim Teller
Vice President / Assistant Chief: John Petsch
Secretary: Katelynn Teller
Treasurer: Sherry Kalasnik

This leadership team is committed to strengthening our organization, improving patient care, and continuing to serve the Ulysses area and surrounding communities with professionalism and dedication.

We would also like to let our community know that our 2026 Annual Subscriptions are currently being prepared and will be mailed and available beginning February 2026.

These subscriptions are vital to our operation and help fund ambulance maintenance, fuel, insurance, and the purchase of new lifesaving equipment, allowing us to keep our ambulances properly equipped and ready to respond.

We are always seeking new volunteers to join our organization. If you have an interest in EMS, emergency services, or helping your community, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you for your continued support of your local volunteer EMS service.

— Tri-Town Volunteer Ambulance