On Sunday, July 17 at 2 p.m. at an Ambulance Dedication Ceremony, the Shepherdstown Fire Department will place into service for the community two new twin ambulances. The ceremony will take place at the Shepherdstown Fire Department, located on Route 45 just outside of Shepherdstown (8052 Martinsburg Pike), and is open to the public. The ceremony will include a traditional wash down and push in of the new apparatus, and brief recognition of dedication recipients.

These new state of the art ambulances were completely engineered and designed by members of the Shepherdstown Fire Department, and were built by PL Customs of New Jersey on 2016 Dodge 4500 chassis. These new units are replacing the aging units currently run by the volunteers and will serve the Shepherdstown Fire Department membership and Jefferson County communities for years to come.

“After years of careful and considerate design and engineering, it is truly special for the Shepherdstown area and Jefferson County to have the Shepherdstown Fire Department running these state of the art custom ambulances” said Marshall DeMeritt, EMS Chief at Shepherdstown Fire Department.

The aging units currently run by volunteers in Shepherdstown were failing, and lacked a great deal of technological advances that promote a more smooth and comfortable ride for emergency patients. Patients will immediately benefit from the deploying of the new ambulances. EMS Chief DeMeritt, regarding the updated design, stated “with the highly technical components and layout of these ambulances, we expect to see an immediate improvement in patient satisfaction. The ride will be better smoother, and the interior layout is more conducive to a positive experience.” The new ambulances will enable EMS Chief DeMeritt and the other volunteers to ensure a comfortable and professional atmosphere at all times.

“With our current units, there was always a concern of failing equipment or breaking down. We can now focus on patient care and better service to the community, without worrying so much about failing ambulances,” said EMS Chief DeMeritt.

The purchase of the new ambulances is an update driven by community service and is part of Shepherdstown Fire Department’s commitment to deliver the best possible pre-hospital care to our patients. The new ambulances cost the department approximately $500,000 and will be paid for through fundraising efforts.

Founded in 1792, the Shepherdstown Fire Department is the oldest Fire Department in the State of West Virginia. The department is located at 8052 Martinsburg Pike in Shepherdstown. The service area includes approximately 53 square miles in Jefferson County and the department responds on mutual aid calls to Berkeley County and Washington County. Maryland. The company offers fire suppression, rescue operations, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

The department hosts a weekly bingo and multiple fundraisers annually including a sportsman’s bash and their famous apple butter making.