NORTH BLOOMFIELD, Ohio - North Bloomfield volunteer fire department has added an ambulance to their fleet after operating for forty years without one. 

The organization, comprised of volunteers from North Bloomfield, purchased the West Farmington's spare ambulance for $20,000 earlier this month. The volunteers met with township trustees to discuss overcoming emergency medical service shortages

David Peterson, the fire chief, says acquiring the ambulance was their highest priority in an effort to improve services provided in the town. 

With four active paramedics on their team and vital medical tools, the department is ready to provide first class care.  

"The fact that we can provide our services to them faster when the minutes count...feels wonderful," Peterson said.

Established in 1982, the department has relied on neighboring fire departments to assist in medical calls.