RIVER VALE— The River Vale Volunteer Ambulance Corps (RVVAC), a fixture in town since 1957, is calling on the community it serves to help meet a critical need: raising the remaining $200,000 to purchase a new ambulance—including life-saving equipment—and renovate its garage to accommodate it.
The Corps placed an order in February for a Ford E-450 Wheeled Coach Type III ambulance, a modern upgrade that will expand its capacity to respond to emergencies. The new vehicle will join the Corps’ only current ambulance—a 12-year-old rig with more than 50,000 miles that has endured what the Corps calls “significant wear and tear.” That vehicle will remain in service as a backup.
To make room for the new rig, RVVAC will raise the garage door opening by 10 inches and install a larger door. That work is scheduled to begin the week of April 7 and is expected to take about two days.
The ambulance itself is slated for delivery between April and June 2026, giving the Corps about 14 months to reach its $350,000 fundraising goal. Years of careful saving have netted $150,000 so far, but costs have more than doubled over the past two decades—from $125,000 in 2005 to $350,000 today.
“We weren’t expecting the price to jump so dramatically,” said Vincent Coglianese, RVVAC public relations officer. “But we’re committed to keeping our response times strong and our community safe—and we know this community rises to the occasion.”
The all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization is also seeking new members. RVVAC currently counts 21 volunteers, including nine certified EMTs, two drivers, five student EMTs or observers, and several members on leave for college or medical reasons.
Volunteers are needed not only for emergency response but also behind the scenes. In addition to financial donations, residents and local businesses are encouraged to donate services—from painting the garage and trimming trees to paving and striping the driveway, landscaping, fundraising, and membership outreach.
RVVAC responds to more than 500 calls each year, providing life-saving care free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To donate or get involved, visit rvvac.org. Keep up with the latest on Facebook.