Local

Jacobson Delivers For Beacon Ambulance Corp

Jul 30, 2025

Assemblyman, Jonathan Jacobson holds the $250,000 check monies he helped to secure which greatly assisted with the purchase of the ambulance (pictured in background) that will add to the ability of the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corp to efficiently respond to their increasing number of annual calls.

By Jennifer L. Warren

BEACON– The Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps has been very busy.

Serving a 21 square mile radius, spanning the City of Beacon, along with parts of the Town of Fishkill, the 25 volunteer crew and Corp nucleus of emergency medical technicians, has averaged around 3600 calls annually. That number, which includes critical medical, trauma and car accidents, is expected to spike to approximately 3800. Equipped with three ambulances as well as the recent approval to be Advanced Life Support (ALS) operational (a process that could be finalized in 5-6 months), the Corp could definitely benefit from a fourth vehicle.

It was a need New York State Assemblyman, Jonathan Jacobson, recognized and was quick to act upon, whose results came in the form of a much-appreciated $250,000 check, officially presented last Tuesday in front of the 1 Arquilla Drive, Beacon Corp. headquarters. Surrounded by Ambulance Corp personnel, Jacobson was thanked for his efforts which will deliver even more priceless security and safety to the community.

From left are: Nick Scarchilli, Chief of Operations Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corp; Jonathan Jacobson, Assemblyman; and Dr. Paul Ostrovsky, President Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corp in front of the newly purchased ambulance (number four) for the facility that presently averages 3600 calls yearly, a number expected to increase to 3800.

“A heartfelt thanks to you for the critical role you played to make this possible,” said Dr. Paul Ostrovsky, President of the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corp, as he admired the 2024 Ford 350 Crestline vehicle. “It is a real investment in the health and safety of the community, and it will allow us to respond more quickly and efficiently; we are very proud to have you (Jacobson) as a partner in service.”

Complete with; a Stryker stretcher, cot with power load system, back safety cameras, privacy windows as well as ALS capabilities, the fully loaded vehicle will allow the Corp to even more confidently and competently perform their imperative, often life-saving, duties.

“I’m so happy to be able to secure this crucial funding,” said Jacobson, who remarked about how far ambulances vehicles have evolved since the ‘Cadillac, 1938 days.’ “The state of the art equipment it has will really allow you to do your jobs even more effectively; I really enjoy doing things like this because volunteers save municipalities tons of money as well as truly show the dedication of people to their local communities.”

Jacobson in turn ensured all present-many who turned out from the Corps- that he too had their backs should future vehicle needs arise.

“All of you serve important purposes and goals for the community; when there is a problem you are there,” said Jacobson to those Corp members. “This ambulance is going to last a long time, but know, when it does conk out, I will get you more funding for another.”

In the meantime, the latest ambulance addition to the Corp’ family, is being warmly embraced, knowing it will play a huge role in those anticipated rising calls.

“Thank you for all you have done with acquiring this great asset for our team,” said Nick Scarchilli, Chief of Operations, as he looked at Jacobson. “This will help tremendously, especially with our increased calls, which is our primary goal.”