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Shandaken ambulance chief to retire; board appoints interim operations chief and approves service amendments
Summary
The town's ambulance chief announced retirement effective July 10, 2026; the board approved amendments to professional services for ambulance administration and appointed Mike Williams as interim chief of operations at a rate not to exceed $2,700 for the remainder of 2026.
The Town of Shandaken received its June ambulance report and heard a retirement announcement from the department chief, followed by board actions to ensure continuity.
Deputy chief (S3) delivered the June report noting 48 total calls, 46 ALS responses, staffing of 20 active providers (5 paramedics, 12 EMTs), equipment needs (Lifepak 15 monitors needing maintenance), and a vehicle (Unit 626) with over 125,000 miles that requires replacement planning. After the operational overview, the ambulance chief (identified in the meeting as Rich) said, "I announced my retirement as chief of the town of Shandaken Ambulance effective 07/10/2026," and reflected on nearly 15 years of service.
To maintain operations, the board adopted a resolution amending the professional services agreement relating to Shandaken Ambulance (Resolution 91-26) and appointed Mike Williams as interim chief of operations (Resolution 92-26), with compensation "not to exceed $2,700 for the remainder of 2026." Board members and staff emphasized continuity of service and that several employees are out on leave, highlighting the department's reliance on a small number of key personnel.
The board recorded the adoption of the related resolutions during the meeting; staff will report back on recruitment and equipment-maintenance plans.
