Ledyard Ambulance Opposes Dispatch Outsourcing

In a letter addressed to Ledyard Mayor John Rodolico and the Ledyard Town Council,  the membership of Ledyard Volunteer Emergency Squad (LVES) strongly opposed the outsourcing of the Ledyard emergency dispatch service citing a "grave concern" for the safety and quality of service of the volunteer agency.

The letter states that the ambulance service is "extremely satisfied" with the current arrangement and although the letter is signed by members of LVES, it should be noted that many of those members are also the town's volunteer firefighters.

And most of Ledyard's dispatchers either live in town or volunteer for the town in some capacity. In a meeting held prior to the letter's release, volunteers questioned the wisdom behind laying off a group of active volunteers and wondered how keen those people would be to continue volunteering for the town. They also expressed strong doubt that Montville or Groton could help Ledyard residents as efficiently. 

"How many times have you heard a caller say 'I’m by Vality’s or I’m by the big white church,'" said one dispatcher as others knodded in agreement. "And, wanting an ambulance in Gales Ferry because of delayed response times will become more of an issue if emergency services are dispatched by another town."

The letter says in part, "There is a general concern among the membership that a change in service may cause delays in dispatching calls for help, lack of knowledge or background about familiar addresses, and unfamiliarity with Ledyard Ambulance procedures. The ambulance maintains a good working relationship with Ledyard Dispatch and is able to request changes to our dispatch service in order to accommodate the volunteers and more efficiently serve citizens. Having multi-service dispatchers (Police, Fire and EMS) in the same room helps us ensure we receive police or fire help in a timely manner."

Prior to receiving the letter Rodolico said it's possible that the town will keep its own dispatch service only if residents vote for the new police station.

If now, he said "we’ll have to find another building quickly. To incorporate dispatch into another building would be too costly."

The volunteer ambulance membership does not agree.

"We feel that the money spent on our own Town of Ledyard Dispatch Center at this point is absolutely a wise investment."

Which is the same sentiment written back in 1986 in a letter to the editor published in The Day newspaper. Melbourne Link, of Gales Ferry wrote Ledyard residents voted to have their own dispatch service. Link finished with, "keep Ledyard tax dollars in Ledyard."

Two months ago, the Ledyard Police Union also submitted a letter to the editor stating its opposition to the outsourcing of Ledyard emergency dispatch services.