Mohegan Volunteer Fire Ass. Ambulance History

​In the late 1950s, the Mohegan Volunteer Fire Association (MVFA) operated two ambulances: a light-yellow 1949 Cadillac with a manual transmission and a white-over-red 1957 Cadillac. Because multi-patient motor vehicle accidents were common and mutual aid resources were limited, the 1957 Cadillac was configured to transport up to four patients.

The ambulance carried two floor-mounted rolling stretchers, including a Cotter Cot on the right side with folding attendant seats that converted into a second stretcher. Two additional portable stretchers were suspended from the ceiling and used for less seriously injured patients, children, or lighter-weight patients. Crew members often knelt on the floor between stretchers to provide patient care. A 40-pound E&J portable oxygen resuscitator was stored behind the passenger seat in the cab and was notoriously difficult to carry up stairs or over long distances.

The 1949 Cadillac was later transferred to the Verplanck Fire Department to establish ambulance service in that district, reducing MVFA responses to the area.

At the time, Peekskill Hospital was located off South Street, with the emergency room and ambulance entrance in the basement. After midnight, doors were locked, requiring crews to call ahead or send a member to the front entrance to gain access.

Ambulance operations were overseen by a five-member Ambulance Committee, appointed by the Association president. The committee handled supplies, maintenance, training, recordkeeping, and finances. An ambulance replacement fund, supported by patient donations, generated approximately $4,000–$6,000 annually. Ambulances were typically replaced after 48,000–50,000 miles or seven years.

In 1966, under the leadership of Ambulance Committee Chairman Clarence DeGolyer, MVFA purchased a Cadillac/Miller-Meteor ambulance painted Cape Ivory, a color chosen to distinguish Mohegan ambulances from surrounding agencies and still reflected in the fleet today. The 1966 unit introduced electric road sanders, eliminating the need for tire chains, and featured MVFA’s first piped oxygen system.

Early ambulance-to-hospital communication relied on dispatchers relaying patient information by telephone. Working with Ed Creem of PCVAC and members of the Westchester County EMS Council, MVFA helped develop the Motorola HEAR system, allowing ambulances to contact hospital emergency rooms directly using a rotary dial encoder.

In the late 1960s, after learning of modular ambulances used by the Baltimore City Fire Department, MVFA evaluated units built by the Swab Wagon Company. These truck-chassis ambulances offered more patient care space and storage than Cadillac units. After visiting departments in New Jersey using Swab ambulances, the Ambulance Committee recommended their adoption.

In 1972, MVFA purchased a Type I Swab modular ambulance on a Chevrolet chassis. Due to limited funds, it was purchased through a down payment and installments. It was also the first Swab unit equipped with electric road sanders. Following this purchase, neighboring departments quickly adopted modular ambulances.

By the 1980s, increasing call volume and concerns over member burnout led the Ambulance Committee to recommend reorganizing into a Rescue Squad through a Lake Mohegan Fire Department resolution. This change allowed residents to serve in EMS roles without full firefighting duties. After extensive legal review with the New York State Association of Fire Districts, the Rescue Squad was approved, with appointed officers serving until the first election.