At Monday evening’s meeting the Lancaster Town Board approved (by resolution) an agreement between the Town and the Lancaster Volunteer Ambulance Corps (LVAC) that would allow the ambulance provider to continue serving the Town as first responder for medical emergency servicesfrom; February 8, 2011 through December 31, 2011.

Prior to the reading and approval of the resolution Supervisor Robert Giza spoke and commended LVAC president Chester Popiolowski as being a perfect gentleman, someone good to work with. Chet is always above board and was an asset in finalizing the agreement. Before approving the LVAC agreement Supervisor Giza noted that the contract extends from January of 2011 through December of 2010.

Prefile resolution public comments

Resident Mike Fronczak asked, “Is the LVAC contract for one year.”
Supervisor Robert Giza: “Yes. Actually what it is going to do is that it will run from January 1st of this year until December 31 of next year, a two year extension.”

Fronczak: “Whatever happened to the workman’s compensation the town was supposed to have paid? Was that hammered out?”

Supervisor Giza: “The way this is going to work is that originally we were giving them $45,000 according to the old contract and they (LVAC) admitted they didn’t need it (stipend) any more. Comp insurance was costing us $68,000 per year. That will be absorbed by LVAC. They will be able to buy gas for their vehicles from the town at our bus garage at a cheaper rate than elsewhere and we have agreed to plow their driveway and garage area. From what I’m told the fire chiefs had some input and LVAC had input and everybody seems to be okay.”

Fronczak: “In other words, they will be self funded?”

Giza: “That is correct.”

LVAC Commitment Statement

At the public comment session LVAC president Chester Popiolowski thanked the board on behalf of the LVAC membership for approving the agreement to retain LVAC ambulance services as first responder.

Popiolowski declared the membership was pleased with the supportive response they received from the public; approached in stores and on the streets, through phone contact, letters and messages to our base from people who wanted to thank us again for being there in their time of need. “I think it became clear that the residents of Lancaster have a personal relationship with LVAC. It’s a personal relationship that they value highly.”

“LVAC is recognized in the medical community for their professional character, top forensic service and for the superior skills and knowledge of its members. The heart of LVAC is the work of our volunteers. The men and women volunteers of LVAC are willing to put in their time, energy and commitment in order to protect a community where they raise their families and protect their (family) and community lives.”

“LVAC will continue to work with the town, volunteer fire departments, the police department and the Office of the Emergency Management to provide the best care for the citizens of Lancaster.