KINGSTON, N.Y. – There's an ongoing need for emergency medical technicians across the Hudson Valley, according to Ulster County Legislator Jason Kovacs.

“We have had issues with some 911 calls being handled not promptly," Kovacs said.

Kovacs said the town of Ulster and government officials have stepped up to help increase public safety and address the shortage of EMTs within the Kingston area.

“It’s hard to find volunteers who want to work for ambulance companies or local fire departments or local volunteer squads," Kovacs said. "So this has been building up to a point where now the town governments and the county governments across the Hudson Valley are trying to step forward."

On Feb. 18, Kovacs said legislators will decide if the county executive can submit a municipal need certificate to the New York State Department of Health.

If authorized, Kovacs said this would be a step in the right direction, helping to ensure advanced life support and ambulance services are accessible across Ulster County.