History

In the beginning Harold Rowe and other townspeople gathered around the kitchen table at Charles Brunelle’s house on Church St. and talked about what was needed for the community. It was the early 1940’s. World War II was a reality and people were scared because of our close proximity to the Watervliet Arsenal, where cannons, ammunition, tanks, and other weapons were manufactured. This arsenal was target of many countries.

It was decided to establish an organization that would help people by transporting them to the nearest hospital. Mr. Rowe offered the use of his Dodge delivery truck. Many nights were spent at the old Bumstead Chevrolet service area in Troy equipping and modifying the truck to transport the sick and injured. There were many nights when the Air Raid siren went off and they had to work in the dark, because all lights had to be extinguished during Air Raids.

On August 1, 1941 The Wynantskill Emergency Ambulance was formed. Shortly there after the name was changed to North Greenbush Ambulance Association and incorporated on August 9, 1943. In 1943 when funds were available the first vehicle dedicated solely for Ambulance duties was purchased. This vehicle was a 1931 Black Buick hearse at a cost of $350.00, converted for Ambulance work. This conversion was done with help from the Wynantskill Fire Department.

At this time Mrs. Bernice Mabin, a charter member of the Association, collected funds from her neighbors in the Marion Avenue section of Wynantskill to purchase an Ambulance stretcher.

From its inception the North Greenbush Ambulance served most of Rensselaer County and the surrounding neighborhoods including the city of Troy when requested. In special circumstances the NGAA was also called on to assist the 3 Hospitals in Troy for transportation of patients.

The first dispatcher was Frank Houser who answered the phone TROY 2222 and then called around to staff the Ambulance. During this period the Ambulance was stored in Mr. Houser’s barn which was located behind his general store (where Jack and Jill Nursery is now located.). The ambulance was stored there until 1950.

In 1948 a 1937 LaSalle hearse, converted for ambulance work, was purchased. At this time the 1931 Buick was sold for $100.00.