GEORGETOWN, Del.- A community carnival is underway in Georgetown this week, not just for fun—but to help keep emergency services running.
Georgetown EMS is hosting a four-day event from June 11 to 14 to raise funds for its operations, purchase a new ambulance, and benefit American Legion Post 8. The fundraiser comes just days after a financial review presented to Sussex County Council listed Georgetown EMS and Memorial Volunteer Fire Company among the area’s most financially vulnerable emergency service providers.
The carnival runs 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 3 to 10 p.m. on Saturday.
“We're operating out of a garage that was not meant to be an ambulance station,” said Captain Deanna Loeb of Georgetown EMS. “And we're just coming up with ways for fundraisers.”
Without additional funding, Georgetown EMS may face longer response times or even service interruptions, which could affect emergency medical care for many locals.
Organizers are encouraging people to attend the event, enjoy rides and games, and support the services that could one day save their lives.
"Both of our oldest emergency vehicles have almost 300,000 miles on them. And to most people, maybe it's not a lot, but when you're running a 9-1-1 ambulance, the last thing you want to do is say, well, we can't do it because we don't, we don't have a truck that's running," said EMS Administrator Russell White.
Not only are they hoping to purchase a new ambulance, but Georgetown EMS says they want a new building too.
"We're running ambulances now with some point in the very near future needing to add three crews 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So in this station, can we do it? We probably could. Is it feasible? Not really," said White.
The carnival is located at 406 N Front Street with parking on North Front Street and no parking on Swain and Alfred Street.
For tickets and information, visit www.Georgetown93.com.
