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Somers leaders weigh ambulance repairs and staffing after new rig fails in service
Summary
Town leaders discussed two ambulances out of service — a 2023 unit with a lowering‑system failure that injured a paramedic and an older unit needing roughly $14,000 in DOT repairs — and approved a full‑time firefighter hire while seeking vendor remedies and short‑term in‑house fixes.
The Somers Board of Selectmen heard that two town ambulances are currently out of service, prompting contingency plans and questions about vendor warranty and accountability.
Fire leadership reported that a 2023 ambulance delivered by New England Fire Emergency Apparatus was taken out of service after the stretcher lowering system failed while a patient was being loaded; a paramedic suffered a finger injury but required no further treatment. A second older ambulance failed a DOT inspection and was estimated to need about $14,000 in repairs to return to service.
Town staff said they have opened a claim with the vehicle seller and are pursuing repairs in‑house where possible to limit downtime. The town mechanic and DPW reported they will work on immediate repairs and reinspection so an older apparatus can be returned to service while vendor remedies continue.
Selectmen discussed possible next steps including pressing the vendor through legal counsel or public communications if manufacturer repairs are slow. The board approved a hiring motion to bring a firefighter/EMT onto the roster full time to support EMS staffing; the candidate was recommended by the chief after interview panels.
Officials said they will bring a full cost estimate for repairs and maintenance tracking for each apparatus to a future meeting and continue to pursue the vendor claim and any available remedies.
