A 2012 model ambulance was added to the fleet of the Lehighton Ambulance Association, thanks to a $125,000 grant from the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development.

The Chevrolet G3500 Chassis is a PL custom Medallion ambulance.Joni Gestl, administrative coordinator for the ambulance association, said the purchase price was $147,068. A 2001 Ford was traded-in for $2,000 off the purchase price.She said state Rep. Doyle Heffley assisted in the procurement of the grant.The ambulance was put into service during the weekend.Sandy Miller, president of the ambulance association, said the association has a fleet of 13 vehicles.The association offers both paramedic and basic life support ambulance service throughout Carbon County and into parts of eastern Schuylkill County.Heffley told Gestl and Miller, "It's important to me to make sure we have the best equipment here.""There's money set aside (in Harrisburg) for these programs," he said. "It's nice to see that money coming here. People in Carbon County deserve to have the best."Gestl said the ambulance association responded to over 7,000 calls in 2011.She said some of the vehicles in the association's fleet have over 200,000 miles on them, adding that one reason they last so long is "we stress maintenance."The new vehicle was purchased from Spitler Ambulance and Rescue of Montoursville.