May 21st, 2025
Federal funds will enhance emergency response capabilities and improve public safety across Monroe County
Spanish Language Version (PDF)
In recognition of EMS Week, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced a major investment of $894,957 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support and upgrade emergency response infrastructure for four local EMS agencies: Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance, Irondequoit Ambulance, Honeoye Falls-Mendon Volunteer Ambulance and Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service.
“During EMS Week, we celebrate the brave men and women who answer the call in our community’s most urgent moments. This investment is a tangible way to show our gratitude – by ensuring our EMS providers have modern equipment that supports their mission and protect public health,” said County Executive Bello. “Thank you to Congressman Joe Morelle and Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for securing this transformation funding and our County Legislature for their steadfast support.”
“This EMS Week, I’m proud to celebrate our brave first responders and take action to support them,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This $894,000 investment expands our efforts to strengthen resources for EMTs and paramedics—so Monroe County families can count on the care they need when it matters most.”
“When it comes to public safety, every second counts – and our EMTs and paramedics need the best tools at their fingertips to save lives,” said U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. “This strategic use of American Rescue Plan dollars I fought hard to secure will upgrade local ambulance fleets, boosts safety for both patients and providers, and ensure that when the call comes in, our first responders are equipped and ready to roll. I applaud County Executive Bello and our local EMS agencies for turning federal dollars into results on the frontlines of public safety.”
“I’m proud to have helped deliver funding to support EMS agencies throughout Monroe County. With this funding, agencies will be able to make important investments to ensure that communications systems and equipment are up-to-date, and fleet vehicles are safe and state-of-the art. As we celebrate EMS Week, I want to commend Monroe County for this use of American Rescue Plan Act funding to support first responders. I was proud to secure this funding, and will keep fighting to ensure all New York EMS agencies have the tools and resources they need to perform their critical, life-saving duties,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
“Across Monroe County, EMS agencies are facing serious challenges, from staffing shortages to aging equipment,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “This investment is about equipping our local EMS teams with the tools they need to respond quickly and effectively to better serve our community when emergencies occur. By strengthening our emergency response systems, we’re ensuring that every resident can count on timely care when it matters most.”
“As we celebrate first responders this EMS Week, we are reminded of the courage and dedication of the folks who face emergencies head-on; those who run towards emergencies others flee,” said Legislator Dave Long. “This crucial funding will not only contribute to saving lives, but also strengthen the health and safety of our entire community. My thanks to Congressman Joe Morelle, Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as County Executive Adam Bello and my Legislature colleagues for their unwavering commitment to investing in our community’s health and safety.”
“As a former volunteer medic, I know firsthand how vital it is to have well-trained emergency responders in every corner of our county,” said Legislator Richard B. Milne. “This funding is a game-changer - not only for expanding training, but also for strengthening the equipment and infrastructure that support faster, more effective emergency response. I’m proud to have helped advance this initiative from the start - it’s a smart, lasting investment in public safety and the future of our community.”
The funded projects include:
-
Honeoye Falls-Mendon Volunteer Ambulance – $83,891
Upgrading computer and pager systems, new CPR training kits for staff, and the purchase of two Stryker Powerload Systems—enhancing safety for patients with limited mobility.
-
Irondequoit Ambulance – $236,000
Purchasing a new ambulance and installing advanced air and surface disinfection systems in the existing fleet, helping to reduce disease transmission and improve patient and provider safety.
-
Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance – $347,065
Acquiring a new, fully equipped ambulance featuring a LifePak monitor capable of tracking multiple vital signs including SpO2, CO2, ECG, blood pressure, and temperature, as well as a hydraulic power gurney to assist with patient lifting and transport.
-
Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service – $228,000
Purchasing a new ambulance to expand emergency response capabilities in the region.
“EMS Week is a wonderful reminder of the dedication and compassion our EMTs and Paramedics bring to every call.” Said Jonathan Smith, Chief of Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance and Chair of the Monroe County EMS Chiefs Association. “We’re proud to celebrate their service, and the meaningful investments being made in our local EMS system. While other communities are just beginning to address service gaps, we’re building strong, sustainable partnerships between local leaders and EMS professionals. Thanks to the support of our County, State, and Federal partners, we’re delivering a smarter, more responsive EMS system that meets the needs of our community.”
“Irondequoit Ambulance was grateful for the ARPA funding provided through Monroe County. It helped us recover after the COVID emergency by providing resources not otherwise available in our budget,” said Irondequoit Ambulance Chief Thomas Kirchoff. “Irondequoit ambulance was able to purchase a 2025 ambulance to provide more coverage due to increased responses and install patient compartment decontamination systems which protects patients and our personnel against respiratory illnesses. These resources will help us care for and protect both patients and our crews.”
“Gates Volunteer Ambulance is honored to receive funding from Monroe County's ARPA- Funded Projects. Our emergency providers put their lives on the line daily to keep our communities safe and deliver the highest quality emergency medical care. To provide such care and meet the demands of high call volumes, they require safe and reliable vehicles to perform their duties effectively. This grant, along with the ambulance it funded, accomplishes that goal,” - Assistant Chief Daniel DiSalvo, Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service.
