Great Neck Village approves Vigilant ambulance contract

Janelle Clausen
Two of Vigilant Fire Company’s newest paramedic response vehicle and ambulance sit stationed outside the firehouse. (Photo courtesy of Vigilant Fire Company)
Two of Vigilant Fire Company’s newest paramedic response vehicle and ambulance sit stationed outside the firehouse. (Photo courtesy of Vigilant Fire Company)

The Great Neck Village Board of Trustees renewed an ambulance contract with Vigilant Fire and Ambulance Company on Tuesday night, ending a persistent question over whether the village would continue using the company for emergency services.

Officials said the ambulance contract, worth $260,521, is being applied retroactively to Jan. 1 and will last until Dec. 31. Because of the negotiations with Vigilant, village officials also said they were able to get a better deal.

Not having a contract did not suspend emergency services.

Mayor Pedram Bral said that the ambulance company will add a dedicated paramedic for a night shift, making one available 24 hours a day, in addition to emergency medical service volunteers and a morning shift paramedic.

“This will significantly increase the services for the village and the other residents in the peninsula,” Bral said, noting that most heart attacks happen at night.

David Weiss, the chairman of Vigilant’s board of trustees, said that he is “thrilled” that the village has signed on and chose continue its long-standing relationship.

“Our goal is to continually improve, be cutting edge, and them signing on will help us do that,” Weiss said.

Currently, Kings Point and Saddle Rock have not yet signed contracts with Vigilant. Weiss said he thinks Saddle Rock will sign on, but is unsure about Kings Point.

A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Vigilant Fire Company has a fire contract with Great Neck village. That is managed by Alert Fire Company.

“It would be very unusual for the fire contract to not be passed on May 16,” said village Clerk-Treasurer Joe Gill. “I’m not aware of any issues.”

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