Union-News (Springfield, MA)
Author: RICHARD NADOLSKI
GOSHEN, MA – An attempt to raise $10,000 for the purchase of two-way radios for emergency medical technicians in the towns of Goshen, Chesterfield and Williamsburg fell short this weekend, but subsequent events are planned to make up the shortfall.
Goshen Fire Chief Francis Dresser said the drive toward the goal stalled at somewhere between $7,000 and $7,500 after an auction was held at the Anne T. Dunphy School in Williamsburg Saturday.
Dresser had a theory to explain the missed goal. “The weather was too good. The crowd should have grown and instead it dwindled,” he said.
An auction held a few years ago seeking to raise about the same amount of money was successful, so the weather was targeted as the main culprit. Dresser said, however, they have not given up on trying to raise the $10,000.
“We aren’t through yet. We’ve got a tag sale,” he said. The exact date and location have yet to be determined, he added.
The two-way radios are needed because the volunteer technicians are able to receive only emergency calls and are unable to confirm that they are headed to the scene. Because the dispatcher does not know if the call has been received, it has been the practice to send a backup crew just in case
“We can end up with six guys who respond to the call,” Dresser said. In most cases, that is exactly what happens. In this age where time is less easily donated, it is important not to waste people’s time, he said.
Contributions to the auction included furniture, toys, tools and antiques. Some of it is left over, and there is other merchandise that will be used for the tag sale.
One-third of the 18-member volunteer force has portable radios, and it was hoped that the auction would have raised enough to purchase 10 or 12 more. The radios cost about $900 each.
In addition to the tag sale, Dresser said he hopes there may be donations over time to alleviate the situation.