WEST PARIS – Tri-Town Rescue recently took delivery of its new rescue vehicle, a 2004 American Emergency Vehicle Trauma Hawk, to add to Tri-Town’s current fleet of two. Chief Norm St. Pierre picked up the vehicle on July 21.

“We had it in service by July 23,” he said. “The ambulance does not come all equipped.”

According to paramedic Jason Ross and St. Pierre, Tri-Town Rescue probably spent $700 to $800 on new equipment for it.

“We were able to use some equipment we already had, like the cardiac monitors, etc., that could cost up to $10,000. The vehicle itself cost $107,645.

Jane Chandler, an intermediate paramedic and coordinator of the board overseeing all branches of Tri-Town, pointed out the new stretcher worth $4,000 to $5,000, which was included in the cost of the truck.

“It will support up to 650 pounds,” she said. “The ambulance also has new equipment that will accommodate children, like a pediatric backboard for safer immobilization, child-size blood pressure cuffs, and more.”

The new vehicle was financed in part with two grants. “Grant totals were $36,245 from the USDA,” St. Pierre said, “and another from Ford Fleet for $5,000.”

“We were also able to get a loan of $66,400 financed through the USDA.”

The effort to pull together funds through grants, fund-raising activities by Tri-Town Auxiliary members, and donations took about a year.

Tri-Town will now have a rescue truck available at its Bryant Pond station, while two trucks will remain at Tri-Town’s main station on the Bethel Road in West Paris.

“Personnel will be trained to use the new truck that is better equipped for poor travel conditions. It has more stability and a smoother ride due to better suspension and dual rear wheels and good tires for better traction,” Ross said.

Tri-Town has about 35 rescue personnel, including volunteers, according to St. Pierre, and serves West Paris, Woodstock, Greenwood, Bryant Pond and Milton Township.

Tri-Town will also assist Bethel if needed, and any other areas. Tri-town also has a search and rescue unit that is dispatched to any search and rescue need statewide, Ross said.