Hadley Fire Chief Warns of Staffing Crisis

Ambulance Oversight Committee · Meeting of April 6, 2026

Hadley's Ambulance Oversight Committee heard that fire staffing cuts have left the town's backup ambulance barely in service. Fire Chief Mike Spanknabel said the second ambulance has gone out only once or twice since staffing reductions took effect, and the department now runs single-firefighter shifts. Spanknabel said he must cut $48,500 more from an already reduced fiscal 2026 budget, eliminating new turnout gear purchases and leaving the ladder truck uncertified this year.

Action Ambulance Chief Financial Officer Rob Dorn said the town is projected to receive a $150,000 full rebate, with billings trending toward $1.5 million and collections between $900,000 and $1 million. Mutual aid ambulance calls into Hadley have risen roughly 60 percent. Officials said the Finance Committee and Select Board plan to discuss a possible override Wednesday ahead of Town Meeting.

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
• Source
• Hadley's community access TV: Ambulance Oversight Committee meeting, April 6, 2026
• The complete report: 842 words

Source: the Ambulance Oversight Committee meeting of April 6, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.