BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

MASSENA — Massena’s rescue squad has been transferred from the town to the village.

The move took place at a joint village and town meeting Sept. 9.

With the transfer, all three emergency support services will fall under the control of the village.

Town and village officials say the transfer has been in the works for months and should allow the rescue squad and volunteer emergency unit to better assist the community.

“This is a big win for the Massena community. The Village and Town worked together on this transfer. This illustrates the positives that can be achieved when the government works together. The Village of Massena is better positioned to manage the Rescue Squad,” town supervisor Steve O’Shaughnessy said.

Village administrator Monique Chatland echoed his sentiments.

“The transfer of the rescue squad and MVEU is a transfer of assets and operational responsibility. We already had two pieces of the puzzle, so adding the rescue squad makes the most sense moving forward,” she said.

Chatland stressed that no services are being cut and community members can expect to see a continuation of the quality of care they have come to expect.

“The village is far better positioned from an administrative capacity to oversee the rescue squad and MVEU,” she stated.

The move will also come at no expense to taxpayers, as village officials say this is a budget neutral transfer.

A director will need to be selected to oversee the administrative responsibility of the rescue squad and MVEU.

Chatland expects Aaron Hardy, Massena Fire Department foreman, will be named to the role in the near future.

One challenge the village will soon face is recruiting volunteers and retaining those that are already on the roster.

“Retention is going to be a huge priority moving forward. We hope to add to our rosters in the coming months to ensure we can best serve the community,” Chatland said.

The transfer is expected to take place on Dec. 31, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.