History

On July 1, 1973 the Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association began offering free services answering calls to medically related emergencies and all fires answered by the Mahoning Valley Fire Company.

The first ambulance came from New York and was financed through a note with the Mauch Chunk Trust Company. Donations of money, equipment and time were made by members of the Mahoning Valley Community.

During 1973 a group of 43 men and women, 30 of which were Emergency Medical Technicians and others with advanced American Red Cross training, answered 22 calls.

The original officers and board members were Robert W. Miller Jr., President, John Vanderbeck, Vice President; Tom McCartney, Secretary; James Gombert, Treasurer; and Charles Eidem, Joseph Borghi, and Norman Berger all who were original directors.

February 1974 was when the first Pancake and Sausage breakfast was held at the Mahoning Valley Fire House. A newspaper article stated that it was a "a project to keep a free ambulance service available to the immediate area".

The Treasurer's report showed that there was a balance of $270.20 that was brought forward from 1973. Styrofoam Easter egg sales, car washes, and a donation jar provided supplemental funds for the operation.

Hoagie sales were started and a bus was purchased to be taken to auction sales, horse shows, fairs and other events.

In 1974 was obviously a more profitable year since a balance of $677 was shown at the end of the year. This was 2 1/4 times the amount then the previous year.

The year 1975 showed great progress. The by-laws which were drawn up in 1974 were accepted by the members of the Association.

A radio was purchased for the ambulance and other ambulance equipment was added. The first orange uniforms were purchased in March.

In early 1976 permission was obtained from the Borough of Lehighton to install an F.M. radio in the ambulance and become a part of the Lehighton Fire Department communications system.

In 1976 M.V.A.A. answered approximately 92 calls that year, also the first ambulance, an International, was "retired" during 1976 and a "new" used ambulance, a Cadillac, was purchased from Lehigh Fire Company #1 for $1800.

Personnel in this year included 2 EMT instructors, 4 CPR instructors, 14 EMT's and individuals trained in advanced first aid.

All of activities of the Association led to the purchase of Gombert's Market in June of 1979. A newspaper article telling about the purchase stated the Association was getting a helping hand in preparing the social hall from members of Engine Company #2. It stated that "this is another excellent example of inter-community relations between groups dedicated to serving their fellow man."

The coverage area for the Association in 1980 was approximately 55 square miles--from Carbon Plaza to Leiby's and from the Mauch Chunk Ridge to the Mahoning Mountain.

By this time the personnel included 2 EMT Instructors, 1 American Red Cross Instructor, 5 CPR Instructors, 11 EMT's, 4 R.N.'s and others trained in first aid and C.P.R.

Information for 1981 indicates that the monthly breakfasts were being served in the new social hall, but also there were wedding parties, banquets, wedding anniversaries celebrations, Christmas parties, dances and other functions to raise money for the Association.

Bingo became legal in 1981 and the Association became involved with a regular weekly Friday Night bingo party.

The regular income generated by the rental of the adjoining apartment along with the income from the regular bingo night, the sale of Easter Flowers, the catering of small banquets and affairs made 1982 a successful year.

The 11th year of M.V.A.A. was started in January of 1983. The previous ten year period has shown tremendous growth -- we now own our third "new" ambulance, we own our building, we have some regular sources of income and our financial statement at the end of 1982 shows a growth 17 1/2 times greater than the first year.

The number of call for services had increased. The Captain's report showed that in 1982 we answered 151 calls.

The minutes of the December 1982 meeting indicate that the members and the board of directors "decided to continue to provide free service to the residents of Mahoning Valley." as they had for the last ten years.