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North Versailles EMS station on the verge of closing

NORTH VERSAILLES, Pa. — North Versailles EMS station is on the verge of closing after more than 60 years due to financial problems.

Several borough commissioners hope an influx of money will help to save the ambulance serves.

Darryl Roher and Darryl Mitchell both serve as North Versailles commissioners, but have different reasons for fighting to keep the department in the township.

Keeping the station in the North Versailles rings on a professional level for Roher.

"I've pretty much held every position in this fire department since 1972," Roher said.

But for Mitchell, it’s more personal.

"I've got firsthand experience. I was the only one home and that was my only way of surviving, them getting there on time," Mitchell said.

Without help from the North Versailles Township, the department is in danger of running out of money next month. Most EMS departments operate separately from the borough or township they cover, with many getting no taxpayer support.

With a drop in reimbursement payments, the stations in Pitcairn and Carnegie have recently closed their doors.

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Roher supports giving the North Versailles department $50,000 to keep it up and running, but believes long term planning is needed.

"I don't think there's a family in this township that over the last 60 years hasn't used this service," Roher said.

North Versailles residents like Paul Ceresa think this station is essential to the township’s future.

"I worry about my father. He's 88 years old and when there's an emergency time is a big factor," Ceresa said.

The decision on whether the township will pay to keep the EMS service is expected to be decided in its April meeting.