After a unanimous vote, Webster is moving forward with future EMS services in collaboration with Penfield Volunteer Ambulance

Webster, New York – After an extensive search lasting several months and involving 21 different EMS agencies, the Town of Webster made a decision on Thursday to move forward with a contract with Penfield Volunteer Ambulance.

The Webster Town Board has voted unanimously to pursue a long-term agreement with Penfield Volunteer Ambulance (PVA) for the provision of emergency medical services in the town.

Webster Town Supervisor Tom Flaherty expressed confidence in moving forward with Penfield Volunteer Ambulance, stating, “When we examine the call volume and the statistics regarding their response times and coverage, we feel very comfortable.”

This year, financial challenges forced the closure of North East Quadrant Advanced Life Support, commonly known as NEQALS, ending decades of service. PVA temporarily took over the responsibilities and eventually brought on board multiple former employees from NEQALS.
Daniel Riordan holds the position of EMS manager at PVA.

“We brought on approximately seven or eight additional team members to assist with the ramp-up,” Riordan stated.

PVA has been providing services to both Penfield and Webster since assuming responsibility for NEQALS, with a team made up of volunteers, full-time, and part-time emergency medical technicians and paramedics.

According to Riordan, the agency operates with a budget of approximately $6 million to serve both towns.

“Flaherty noted that Penfield Volunteer Ambulance submitted a lower subsidy quote for 2025.” “This essentially indicates that the taxpayers in Webster will incur lower costs if we choose Penfield Volunteer Ambulance.”

The agency currently operates two satellite ambulances from its Penfield headquarters, with these units stationed at fire stations in Webster.

“According to Flaherty, they have already addressed the town of Penfield, which borders Webster.” “They are currently handling approximately 10,000 calls annually, and the existing infrastructure is capable of managing a higher volume of calls than what is currently being processed in Penfield, requiring only a few minor adjustments.”

PVA reported that it has addressed between 96 and 97% of its calls, boasting short average response times.

“In just six or seven minutes, we can reach the southern areas of the village of Webster or sections of Ridge Road, a routine we’ve maintained for the past nine months.” According to Riordan.

The town board’s vote on Thursday paves the way for negotiations to commence with PVA. The agency has announced that it will maintain normal operations in both towns for the time being.