The Greater Weatherly Ambulance Association officially closed on Feb. 7 after more than four decades of service.

The association did not have people to go out on calls, and money to operate had started to run out.

The decision was made by the association’s board of directors, who now turn the matters of the winding down of the organization over to “the lawyers.”

Ambulance coverage in the Weatherly area is now being provided by the Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association.

Theresa D’Andrea, a member of the board and Weatherly Borough Council member, said that “We’re all very saddened, (though) it doesn’t come as a great shock.”

The slow end “has been going on for many, many years,” she said.

Lately, the association was not getting the EMTs needed to staff the crews, so they were not able to go out to calls.

The association closed due to lack of these EMTs, and cash flow. The association owns the building and two ambulances.

Incorporated on April 29, 1977, the ambulance company was manned by generations of local volunteers. As times changed, and rules requiring training were added, it became necessary to pay for crew. Between paying for the crews and other expenses in keeping the ambulance units operational these past few years, cash became tight. Low volume and slow reimbursement made cash flow worse, leading to the closure.

D’Andrea added that the board is grateful to Weatherly Borough Manager Harold Pudliner, the Weatherly Police, and Mayor P.J. Hadzick for their guidance.