Much needed funding has been granted into the Rotterdam EMS department. The $125,000 state grant will go towards restoring their fleet of ambulances. 

Wear and tear have taken its toll on some of the vehicles providing emergency care to more than 3,000 Rotterdam residents per year.

"We have an ambulance that's been broken down with a blown engine that we can't repair, and we're going to be able to purchase a new ambulance," said Dean Romano, Rotterdam EMS paramedic/director.

Getting the grant wasn't easy; Romano says paperwork and red tape dragged the process out for nearly six years.

"Part of the process was that we needed to do [the] $10,000 audit and we didn't have $10,000, that's why we needed the grant," Romano laughed.

Assemblyman Angelo Santa Barbara, who chairs the commission on rural resources, helped to move the process along.

"This funding will go a long way to help them continue to serve there mission," said SantaBarbara. 

But getting the ambulance is just half the battle and all the medical equipment inside the vehicle must be purchased too.

"We have to buy the 'Lucas' — we have to buy the first in-bags, we have to buy all the medical bags," explained Romano.

Specialized equipment that can cost anywhere from $40-50,000 additional. 

Both Romano and Santabarbara say these are even more reasons for the government to find a long term solution.

"It fixed an immediate need but the bigger problem is the way ambulance services are funded," said Romano.

"I'm calling on the governor to include these critical resources in the state budget," added Santabarbara.