LEVERETT, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Leverett Fire Department’s off duty EMTs responded within eight minutes to a resident reporting breathing problems on Saturday afternoon while waiting for an ambulance nearly fifteen miles away. Amherst paramedics are usually dispatched, but were all occupied and the next closest ambulance available was in Hadley.

Leverett EMTs were able to stay with the patient until the Hadley ambulance, Action Ambulance, could arrive. Leverett is one of several local communities working hard to provide public safety services through reduced budgets and limited municipal departments.