County Executive Adam Bello announces nearly $900,000 in ARPA funding to improve equipment and services for four Monroe County EMS agencies

Monroe County, New York – In a powerful nod to the essential work of emergency medical services personnel, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello has announced a major new initiative to reinforce the region’s emergency response network. With a total of $894,957 in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the county is investing in new equipment and life-saving resources for four local ambulance agencies: Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance, Irondequoit Ambulance, Honeoye Falls-Mendon Volunteer Ambulance, and Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service.

The announcement came during EMS Week, a time set aside each year to recognize the critical role of first responders in protecting public health and safety. For Bello, the timing couldn’t be more fitting.

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“During EMS Week, we celebrate the brave men and women who answer the call in our community’s most urgent moments. This investment is a tangible way to show our gratitude – by ensuring our EMS providers have modern equipment that supports their mission and protect public health,” said County Executive Bello. “Thank you to Congressman Joe Morelle and Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for securing this transformation funding and our County Legislature for their steadfast support.”

The funding, made possible through the federal ARPA program, is intended to help agencies upgrade aging equipment, invest in new ambulances, and improve safety systems for both emergency responders and patients. The financial boost also aims to fill persistent gaps created or worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing staffing shortages.

County officials are not alone in championing local EMS workers. Federal legislators were instrumental in securing the funds and emphasized the need for timely investment in emergency infrastructure.

“This EMS Week, I’m proud to celebrate our brave first responders and take action to support them,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This $894,000 investment expands our efforts to strengthen resources for EMTs and paramedics—so Monroe County families can count on the care they need when it matters most.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed the importance of efficiency and readiness in public safety efforts.

“When it comes to public safety, every second counts – and our EMTs and paramedics need the best tools at their fingertips to save lives,” Schumer said. “This strategic use of American Rescue Plan dollars I fought hard to secure will upgrade local ambulance fleets, boosts safety for both patients and providers, and ensure that when the call comes in, our first responders are equipped and ready to roll. I applaud County Executive Bello and our local EMS agencies for turning federal dollars into results on the frontlines of public safety.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand added, “I’m proud to have helped deliver funding to support EMS agencies throughout Monroe County. With this funding, agencies will be able to make important investments to ensure that communications systems and equipment are up-to-date, and fleet vehicles are safe and state-of-the art. As we celebrate EMS Week, I want to commend Monroe County for this use of American Rescue Plan Act funding to support first responders. I was proud to secure this funding, and will keep fighting to ensure all New York EMS agencies have the tools and resources they need to perform their critical, life-saving duties.”

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The funding breakdown shows a strategic and wide-ranging approach to bolstering Monroe County’s EMS readiness:

• Honeoye Falls-Mendon Volunteer Ambulance received $83,891 to upgrade its communications systems and buy two Stryker Powerload Systems, designed to help staff safely lift and transport patients with limited mobility. New CPR training kits will also enhance preparedness among crew members.

• Irondequoit Ambulance secured $236,000, which will go toward purchasing a brand-new ambulance and installing advanced air and surface disinfection systems across their existing fleet—an upgrade that aims to reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases and protect both patients and emergency workers.

• Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance was awarded $347,065 for a fully equipped new ambulance. The vehicle includes a LifePak monitor that tracks a variety of vital signs, such as blood pressure, ECG, CO2, and SpO2, along with a hydraulic power gurney that significantly improves the safety and ease of patient transport.

• Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service received $228,000, allowing the organization to purchase another ambulance and expand its emergency response capabilities in one of the county’s busiest service areas.

Officials across the board expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for what they described as a “game-changing” investment.

“Across Monroe County, EMS agencies are facing serious challenges, from staffing shortages to aging equipment,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “This investment is about equipping our local EMS teams with the tools they need to respond quickly and effectively to better serve our community when emergencies occur. By strengthening our emergency response systems, we’re ensuring that every resident can count on timely care when it matters most.”

Legislator Dave Long highlighted the human aspect of the funding. “As we celebrate first responders this EMS Week, we are reminded of the courage and dedication of the folks who face emergencies head-on; those who run towards emergencies others flee. This crucial funding will not only contribute to saving lives, but also strengthen the health and safety of our entire community. My thanks to Congressman Joe Morelle, Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as County Executive Adam Bello and my Legislature colleagues for their unwavering commitment to investing in our community’s health and safety.”

Legislator Richard B. Milne, who once served as a volunteer medic, offered a deeply personal perspective: “As a former volunteer medic, I know firsthand how vital it is to have well-trained emergency responders in every corner of our county. This funding is a game-changer – not only for expanding training, but also for strengthening the equipment and infrastructure that support faster, more effective emergency response. I’m proud to have helped advance this initiative from the start – it’s a smart, lasting investment in public safety and the future of our community.”

Emergency response professionals say these upgrades will have a direct and immediate impact.

“EMS Week is a wonderful reminder of the dedication and compassion our EMTs and Paramedics bring to every call.” said Jonathan Smith, Chief of Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance and Chair of the Monroe County EMS Chiefs Association. “We’re proud to celebrate their service, and the meaningful investments being made in our local EMS system. While other communities are just beginning to address service gaps, we’re building strong, sustainable partnerships between local leaders and EMS professionals. Thanks to the support of our County, State, and Federal partners, we’re delivering a smarter, more responsive EMS system that meets the needs of our community.”

“Irondequoit Ambulance was grateful for the ARPA funding provided through Monroe County. It helped us recover after the COVID emergency by providing resources not otherwise available in our budget,” said Irondequoit Ambulance Chief Thomas Kirchoff. “Irondequoit ambulance was able to purchase a 2025 ambulance to provide more coverage due to increased responses and install patient compartment decontamination systems which protects patients and our personnel against respiratory illnesses. These resources will help us care for and protect both patients and our crews.”

“Gates Volunteer Ambulance is honored to receive funding from Monroe County’s ARPA-Funded Projects. Our emergency providers put their lives on the line daily to keep our communities safe and deliver the highest quality emergency medical care. To provide such care and meet the demands of high call volumes, they require safe and reliable vehicles to perform their duties effectively. This grant, along with the ambulance it funded, accomplishes that goal,” said Assistant Chief Daniel DiSalvo of Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service.

With ARPA funds now moving from federal legislation into real-world action, Monroe County is taking a bold step in modernizing its emergency response landscape. For the volunteers and professionals who respond to accidents, health crises, and life-threatening emergencies daily, that support translates into more than just equipment—it means safer environments, faster response times, and lives saved.

And for the residents of Monroe County, it means peace of mind. When the unthinkable happens, they can rest assured that help will arrive—not just quickly, but well-equipped, well-trained, and ready to save lives.