Corps History

The Blooming Grove Volunteer Ambulance Corps was founded by the Washingtonville Lions Club on February 6th, 1959 after more than a year's worth of ground work. At that time, there were twenty-two people interested in forming an ambulance corps.

The Corps became "official" when, on March 5th, 1959, it adopted the name Blooming Grove Ambulance Corps. A little over two months later, now with 41 volunteer members, temporary coverage for the Town starts, a kind of "getting your feet wet" setup until an ambulance could be purchased. At the same time, a fund drive was started with a goal of $4,000. This fund drive allowed the corps to buy an ambulance and necessary equipment.

On July 2nd, 1959, the Corps held an open house with a borrowed 1958 Cadillac Ambulance on loan from Worth Motors in Teaneck, NJ. This was to show the community what emergency equipment is available.

By July 16th, the Corps had answered ten calls and by August 6th the $4000 fund drive goal was reached - except that more money was needed.

On August 13th, 1959, the Corps received its first ambulance, a 1952 Cadallic equipped to serve four emergency patients.

Later on July 13th, 1993 the Blooming Grove Volunteer Ambulance Corps became certified with the New York State Department of Health

In 1999, Blooming Grove Ambulance was the first ambulance corps in Orange County, NY to provide 24/7 Advanced Life Support services.