Tioga Center Emergency Squad Captain, Art Mayer, left, presents a photo to Tioga Downs’ owner, Jeff Gural, right, to thank him for a recent donation that assisted with the purchase of a lift cot and stair chair. The presentation of the framed photo took place on Monday at the Tioga Downs facility in Nichols, N.Y. Squad members also offered a demonstration of the lift at that time. (Photos by Wendy Post)
From left, Tioga Center Fire Chief Milton Kemp, responder David VanDusen, and Squad Captain Art Mayer offer a demonstration of the recently purchased lift cot that is now being used by the Tioga Center Emergency Squad. The lift, along with a stair chair, was purchased with assistance from Tioga Downs.
On Monday, Jan. 11, Tioga Center Emergency Squad members and officials presented Tioga Downs’ owner, Jeff Gural, with a memento to recognize his recent donation of $16,400 to the squad that was used for the purchase of life saving equipment.
Last year Tioga Downs donated the funds to the Emergency Squad in Tioga Center, which in-turn enabled them to purchase a power lift cot and a “stair chair” for use on emergency and life saving calls.
According to Art Mayer, Tioga Center squad captain, the equipment will provide safety for the person needing assistance, as well as the squad members responding.
In the past, Mayer explained, the responders would have to lift the cot, or stretcher, into the response vehicle. In a demonstration on Monday, the Tioga Center Fire Chief, Milton Kemp and David VanDusen, first responder, along with Mayer, gave a demonstration of the ease of the lift.
Prior to the purchase of the lift, said Mayer, it would be difficult to get those being transported into the squad vehicle. And the “stair” chair allows for responders and the person being attended to, to be moved safely.
The lift and chair, he added, were purchased for a cost of $18,000. “The donation from Tioga Downs enabled us to purchase these items,” said Mayer.
Jeff Gural, who was at Tioga Downs on Monday, received thanks from the squad and department along with a photo of squad members standing with the purchased equipment. The photo presented to Gural on Monday was signed by each member, and “Thank You” written along the top.
Gural, upon receipt of the framed photo, stated that he was happy to help out. “These guys come up and help us out,” said Gural.
He added, “They provide a great service.”
Tioga Downs is located on West River Road in Nichols, N.Y. To learn more about Tioga Downs, visit www.tiogadowns.com.
