Picking up on efforts that began more than a decade ago, a committee in Chilmark is taking another stab at finding a location for a new fire station.
Although blue lights flashed at the Aquinnah police and fire station Saturday afternoon, there was no emergency. At Aquinnah's first ever public safety day, the biggest concern was whether the hamburger supply was low.
As the summer season gains momentum, Vineyard emergency medical crews are working overtime and drawing from off-Island resources in order to meet an increased demand for service. Fewer paramedics are available this summer for ambulance calls, leading to increased cross-town efforts.
The Tri-Town Ambulance Service agreement will get a complete overhaul for the first time in 33 years, up-Island selectmen and ambulance committee members decided this week.
The rural ambulance service serves Aquinnah, West Tisbury and Chilmark. The original agreement for the service was written in 1978. In 1991 a large governance committee was established for the service, which some feel is too unwieldy.
Acting over strong objections from the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital emergency room director, Chilmark selectmen voted unanimously to appoint Paul (Zeke) Wilkins as permanent chief of the Tri-Town Ambulance Service on Tuesday night.
Dr. Jeffrey Zack, director of the hospital ER, said he had reservations about whether the new chief had enough paramedic experience to be able to lead the squad that serves Chilmark, Aquinnah and West Tisbury.
“This is about providing quality care,” Dr. Zack told the selectmen.
Acting over the objection of the director of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital emergency room, Chilmark selectmen voted to appoint Paul (Zeke) Wilkins as permanent chief of the tri-town ambulance service on Tuesday night.
Dr. Jeffrey Zack expressed frank concerns about whether the new chief has enough experience to lead the rural ambulance squad that serves Chilmark, Aquinnah and West Tisbury.