To the Editor:

We, at the Cetronia Ambulance Corps wish to extend our sincerest of thanks and recognition to state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, for the pivotal role he played in helping us recoup $2,800 we paid in realty transfer taxes related to our construction project at Broadway and Parkway roads in South Whitehall Township.

As a volunteer-based organization since 1955 that is dedicated to public safety, every dollar we bring gets reinvested in protecting the residents of Lehigh County and delivering life-saving services.

When we embarked on a project to consolidate and construct a new operations center in 2011, we were required to pay what for us was a significant amount in realty transfer taxes. We dutifully complied.

Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, and signed into law this year treats non-profit, volunteer-based emergency medical service companies like ours in the same way as many other types of non-profits.

It exempts us from taxation when we sell or otherwise transfer property used for public safety purposes.

A provision in the bill made this exemption retroactive to November 2011, which allowed us to receive a refund from both state and local governments.

This will free us to reinvest those dollars in the community as we continue to work to save lives and keep our residents and visitors to the community safe.

State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, has performed a great public service on behalf of Cetronia Ambulance Corps and continues to be supportive of all emergency services in the community we work, live and raise our families in.

He is an important ally for EMS and his efforts will aid us in our continued mission of service to our community.

He is to be commended and recognized for his efforts in Harrisburg on behalf of our residents.

Larry Wiersch

chief executive officer

Cetronia Ambulance Corps