The Town of Ramapo has officially approved funding for two new ambulances for Hatzoloh EMS of Rockland County, following a formal request submitted by Hatzoloh leadership citing a sharp increase in emergency call volume and growing demands on its fleet.

The approval, totaling approximately $789,983.42, will allow Hatzoloh EMS to place two newly built Braun ambulances into service within the coming weeks.

According to a letter submitted to the Town Board by Hatzoloh EMS COO Eliezer Mayerowitz, the volunteer-based emergency service now responds to more than 20,000 emergency calls annually, averaging approximately 55 calls every day throughout Ramapo and greater Rockland County.

Hatzoloh officials explained that several ambulances currently in service are reaching or exceeding their recommended service life due to heavy usage, high mileage, and the around-the-clock demands of emergency response operations.

“Maintaining reliable emergency response is critical,” the letter stated, noting that aging ambulances are more susceptible to mechanical issues that can impact response times and patient care.

The organization currently operates a fleet of approximately 23 ambulances strategically positioned throughout the area to ensure rapid emergency response.

Hatzoloh also emphasized that the new ambulances are already fully built and expected to be ready for delivery within weeks, making timely approval important to avoid disruptions in fleet readiness.

The Town of Ramapo’s involvement in the purchase stems from its longstanding EMS billing arrangement with Hatzoloh EMS. Under that system, the Town handles the ambulance billing process for Hatzoloh services, which is why the ambulances are purchased through the Town rather than directly by Hatzoloh itself.

Hatzoloh EMS operates with approximately 300 volunteers, including more than 50 paramedics, who provide emergency medical services around the clock without staffing costs to the municipality. The organization is frequently among the first emergency responders on scene during medical emergencies across the Town of Ramapo and surrounding communities.

In its request, Hatzoloh stated the new ambulances will help improve public safety, reduce maintenance downtime, and ensure the organization can continue meeting rising emergency service demands while maintaining rapid response times for residents throughout the region.