WHITE HAVEN -- Neighbors in White Haven are creating a new ambulance service months after the one they had was disbanded.
The trucks inside the ambulance building on Towanda Street in White Haven haven't moved in five months.
The rescue unit disbanded in March because there wasn't enough money to pay the crew. Now concerned neighbors, including George Wood, are volunteering their time to get these trucks on the streets again.
"The ambulance's squad has been here before since 1952 and it would be a shame to see the town lose the service here," said Wood, a board member for the new rescue unit.
Since March, the borough has relied on rescue units from the Hazleton area, units that Wood says took too long to get to White Haven.
"The less time, the better to get to somebody to treat someone," said Wood.
Neighbors say they're looking forward to the time when ambulance trucks are running in out of the garage again because it means quicker response time and better coverage for White Haven.
"Using the other outfitters was just too much of a wait. I've heard up to 45 minutes which is a matter of life and death," said Chrissy Gower of White Haven.
"I think it's a great idea due to there's a lot of retirees in the area and it'll be a better response time," said Linda Palmisano, of White Haven.
A group of 20 volunteers is now raising money for insurance and training before the service will be ready. They hope to have it up and running by the end of the year.