The Tamaqua Ambulance Association has updated its fleet with the arrival of two new ambulances.

Joel Essington, ambulance chief, said the organization was able to purchase two 2015 AEV emergency response vehicles through a $150,000 loan it received from the Mauch Chunk Trust Company.Treasurer Randy Schock said the deal was entirely too good to pass up."It was the right thing at the right time," Schock said. "It was to update the fleet, and I think it shows the public we're being fiscally responsible."Schock said the two ambulances join a 2012 van ambulance, and a 1998 MedTech E450, to round out the organization's fleet of vehicles."The public's donations have gone to good use," he said."They (the new ambulances) will cut down on maintenance, and provide reliable ambulance service to them."Schock added, "Our units are getting dated. This was about upgrading the fleet and to provide service for the community."Anthony Postupack, commercial loan officer for MCT, lauded the organization for "the great work they do in the community.""We've seen the great service that the ambulance provides," Postupack said. "We want to be a part of that success for the ambulance."Last year, the organization responded to over 1,600 calls. This year, it has responded to over 350 calls thus far.The third largest ambulance association in Schuylkill County, the group covers the areas of Tamaqua proper, Coaldale, Rush Township, Walker Township, Schuylkill Township, and parts of West Penn Township.It was chartered as the Tamaqua Ambulance Association in 1962.