On May 21,1998 I approached the Village turstees for a study on how we could have our own ambulance service, as New Hyde Park, Garden City Park, Stewart Manor, and Mineola do, rather than relying on Nassau County for such service. Three of our trustees in various approaches took the position that (1) It was too expensive, and (2) Our policemen were doing the job adequately in conjunction with Nassau County Ambulance. One of the trustees blatantly indicated that he was not interested in studying it and that I should perform the study and make it available.

When many of our senior citizens and others are no longer using these Village services, and are instead calling the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps., the Village trustees should realize that a study is required. Politically correct positions on behalf of our unions are no longer warranted.

Why are citizens disenchanted with our ambulance services? Why are organizations which reside in Garden City making donations to the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps (MVAC)? Why are they disseminating the MVAC telephone number? Why is our Police Benevolent Association (PBA) making donations to MVAC?

How many of our policemen and firemen are properly trained as emergency medical technicians? How many of them take the necessary mandated courses to keep their certificates current? Are there paramedics on any of our Nassau County ambulances? They are on New York City ambulances.

How quickly can the ambulances arrive at the scene? MVAC reports that some ambulances require as much as 25 minutes to arrive.

We have more than adequate people power resources in the Village to accomplish the objective if they are properly used and coordinate our own police department, our paid fire department of 34 members, our volunteer fire department of 90 members, and a proposed volunteer corps of emergency medical technicians and paramedics, will more than suffice.

Why should we have to rely on Nassau County and neighboring towns and villages for this service? If you feel the same way, write to our local newspapers and our trustees to let everybody know.

Joseph A. Calamari

P.S. I was advised by a trustee that if a call for help is made from a cellular phone in Garden City, that our police do not respond and that a Nassau County ambulance will eventually respond.

P.P.S. I witnessed an accident in Garden City where help was requested on a cellular phone. There had been no response either by the police or any ambulance when I left after 12 to 15 minutes. What happens to someone who has a heart attack on a Garden City station?

P.P.P.S. I have been advised by several citizens that they consider our ambulance service far from adequate.