Holyoke EMS sees 3rd ambulance unveiled

A crowd gathered outside the ambulance bay at Melissa Memorial Hospital on May 22 to see the new Holyoke EMS ambulance for the first time. The purchase of the used vehicle was made possible by a grant applied for by paramedic Lisa Werts and received through the MMH Foundation. Grant money was made up of $20,000 from Black Hills Corporation Foundation in Rapid City, South Dakota, and $2,000 from Black Hills Energy. Carly West, Harry Kinner and Pete Markle of Black Hills Energy attended the unveiling of the third ambulance in the Holyoke EMS fleet. It is the first with four-wheel drive, however, which makes it an important new asset. MMH CEO Trampas Hutches noted that, as such, the ambulance and a crew will be able to be sent to disasters anywhere in the United States, and that may be a significant source of new income. The long-term goal is to add one more ambulance with money raised by the MMHF Legacy Event. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications