History of Canton Memorial Ambulance

by John S. Winters, Past Chairman, Dec 7th. 1975

Early in 1950 a group of men from the Collins Company Fire Dept. felt that an Ambulance Service was needed in the town of Canton and the village of Collinsville that would be available to local residents at a nominal cost.

The Department started the fund with $300, and soon a donation of $1,375 was received from the Canton Soldiers Memorial Association. Other organizations contributed $2,300, the remaining $1,500 needed was donated by individuals.

The ambulance was purchased and dedicated as a war memorial and commissioned for use on December 6, 1950.

Canton enjoys the distinction of being the first to have a volunteer ambulance service in the Farmington Valley.

From the very beginning, first aid standard and advanced courses were taught to the members, and a "Self-Formulated" Guide of Ambulance Procedures.

We continued to progress in the proper techniques, and skills, and also showed good financial gain. Seven years later, the need for a new and better vehicle became apparent.

With the usual whole-hearted support of our townspeople, we were able to purchase a 1957 Cadillac. During a span of 25 years, we are now on our fifth vehicle.

With the closing of the Collins Company the service was taken over by the newly organized Collinsville Volunteer Fire Dept. and they have done a fabulous job of providing "The Best Service Anywhere."