Lockport Officials Clash Over Proposed Civilian Ambulance Drivers

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• A proposal to add civilian ambulance drivers to the fire-based EMS system in Lockport, New York, has sparked a public dispute between the fire chief and the city board.
• The plan would allow civilian drivers to staff ambulances, a shift from current staffing practices, officials said.
• Firefighters and union representatives raised concerns about overtime, accountability and staffing models.
• Fire Chief Rick Mancuso questioned the proposal and public commenters expressed dissatisfaction.
• The debate unfolded during a Lockport City Board meeting on Monday.

LOCKPORT, NY — City of Lockport officials and the fire department clashed this week over a proposal to introduce civilian drivers for ambulance service in the city’s fire-based EMS system, officials said Monday.

The plan, discussed at a Lockport City Board meeting, would allow the use of civilian drivers to staff ambulances, a departure from the existing model in which firefighter personnel operate emergency vehicles.

Fire Chief Rick Mancuso and others expressed concerns about the implications of the proposal, including how it might affect overtime, staffing levels and accountability within the department.

Firefighters and union representatives at the meeting questioned whether the change would address operational needs and criticized aspects of the plan during public comment.

The issue remains under review, and city board members did not immediately announce further action or a timeline for implementation.