The Council did vote in the ambulance 10-0, but only after a push was made by Councilor Michael McLaughlin to cut the ambulance funding – which failed by a vote of 3-7. “It’s our opinion that you can staff an ambulance and staff your Fire Department operations,” he said. “Fire-based EMS ambulance service is not only effective for patient care, but also is a cost-effective utilization of you City resources, personnel and equipment. Hardy said the union was disappointed that the Council went forward before tending to their concerns, but reiterated they don’t oppose the concept of having the Fire Service operate and staff an in-house ambulance service. A new ambulance service could be in place potentially by Jan. 1, 2022.