Dateline: Jul. 16, 2024

An interview with Fire Chief Eric Lambert revealed several positive items that should encourage residents. Six full-time firefighters have completed two weeks of in-house training. Also, the separation from Tri-Town EMS in Pembroke gave Allenstown a second ambulance.

Staff members (L to R): Nathan Ducharme - LT/EMT - A, John Sartorelli - LT/EMT, Austin LaDuke - FF/EMT - A, Benjamin Savage - FF/EMT - A,
Hugo Serrano - FF/EMT, Joseph Wood - LT/EMT

The firefighters were assigned to work 24 hour shifts in a rotating schedule that had them on duty for two days and of duty for two days. For the on duty shifts, the firefighters would be stationed full time at the fire station. Chief Lambert explained that this was a common fire department practice.

The other good news was that, as of July first, Allenstown began operating an Allenstown-focused ambulance service. As part of the deal with Tri-Town EMS, there was a detailed accounting and division of all assets.

One major acquisition for Allenstown was Tri-Town's 2019 ambulance. Tri-Town installed a new set of tires and performed some preventative maintenance. Chief Lambert mentioned that it had only 17,000 miles on it.

Tri-Town EMS was already planning to purchase a new ambulance to replace the 2019 vehicle. Allenstown for its part has also been in the process of acquiring a new ambulance. Chief Lambert said they anticipated a delivery date of December 2024. Allenstown's current 2010 ambulance recently required a rebuild of its transmission but is back in service.

On Saturday July 13, the ambulances were driven out of their bay and put on display.

Ambulance 2 exits the bay.

Ambulance 2 finds a place to park.

Ambulance 1 (2019 model) exits the bay.

Ambulance 1 finds a place to park. Notice the more prominent lettering, white stripes, and caduceus symbol.

Ambulances nose to nose (#2 on left, new #1 on right)

The net result is that the Allenstown Fire Dept. now has two ambulances to serve residents in need of emergency medical service. The 2019 model will be the primary on-duty vehicle. To make it blend in with Allenstown's color scheme, the 2019 ambulance was given a vinyl paint wrap by Lifesize Wraps of Manchester. To tell them apart, look for the numbers "1" and "2" on the side panels. After the next ambulance is delivered and certified, it may be possible to trade in the 2010 ambulance for other equipment.

Firefighter/EMT Austin LaDuke stands as a bridge between the old and the new.

With all lights flashing and backup horn beeping, Firefighter LaDuke backs ambulance 1 into its bay. Ambulance 2 is next.

First photo by Chief Eric Lambert, all others by Michael Frascinella

What You Can Do

Visit the Fire Station and check out the ambulances first hand.