As a citizen of the Westside Community Health Care District and as their Board President and just having a medical emergency a few weeks ago and calling 911 for an ambulance service, I can tell you firsthand, how important our local ambulance service is. 

We see our local ambulances in our District, with lights and sirens, going to a 911 call or transporting a patient to a hospital, but we really never know what’s that is like, until you are the one in the back of the ambulance like I was or its one of your family members.

I have been on the board for five years now, and this board and its staff have worked tirelessly to bring the best care to the district and the citizens in our district. 

It has not been an easy task, from my first board meeting, we as aboard, decided to re-organize the district business plan and look at every possible way to improve our service, retain our paramedics and EMT and cut cost where needed, along with still providing excellent care and service.

We knew this was no easy task and a plan was put in place that would take us 4-5 years to complete. And we are now in the final stages of that plan, to pass our Measure, to ensure that, for many years to come, Westside Ambulance will be here to service our district.

EMS services are not like Fire and Police, and we receive NO Funding from the State or Federal Government. Also, EMS services, in California, are considered non-essential services, which means, when the state or federal government are giving out money, we do not qualify for any funding.

I have reached out to our state elected officials, within our district, and they are starting the process to work on legislation to get this changed. 

As a public safety provider, we work with other agencies, within our District and outside the District, on a daily basis, along with fire and police agencies.

So, it was sad to see two Newman Volunteer Fire Department employees, speak out against our measure and also not have accurate or factual information in their letter to the editor.  It is never good, when another local public safety department is not in support of each other’s efforts to make our community a better place for everyone.

The Gustine Fire Chief is in support of our Measure A, but not the Newman Fire Chief?  For me, it’s a matter of principle and doing the right thing, as a Fire Chief or any other Chief.

Let’s all work together on what best supports our small rural communities and strive to provide the best possible care and service we can for our citizens.

Join me in Voting Yes On Measure A

Dennis Brazil

Westside Ambulance Board President