The future of the Northwestern Ambulance Corps seems to be decided.

Come next month, the corps will almost certainly close its doors.

Founded in 1971, with Leroy Bogert Sr. as its first president, Northwestern Ambulance has been experiencing severe financial difficulties in recent months.

Donations from the community and service groups in the community helped some but were not enough.

Supervisors in Weisenberg and Lynn townships were approached with requests for $50,000 in support.

The Weisenberg board previously decided to have Cetronia Ambulance Corps, with an ambulance and crew stationed at the fire company station, serve the township.

Lynn supervisors initially took the request under consideration but following a meeting Tuesday night at the New Tripoli Fire Company, their decision appears to have been made.

"We are mandated by the state to provide ambulance service for Lynn Township," Lynn Supervisors Vice Chairman Steve Feinour said. "We are mandated regardless of where the money comes from. We have that responsibility as being an elected official.

"We have to make a decision we think is going to be the best for our residents. Not only in service, but actually out of their pocket, too.

"That's what we have to do. That's our job here and going with Northwestern is not the smart way to approach that, not at this particular time.

"I'm sad we're in this situation. We didn't initiate this."

Lynn Board Chairman Justin Smith outlined several factors in his nod for Cetronia.

"Number one is meeting the desired quality of care that we want to provide our residents," Smith said. "That is first and foremost. We also need to know who the strongest is financially. We don't want to have to make this decision every two, four or six years."

Supervisor Brian Dietrich emailed The Press the following comment Wednesday morning.

"We (Lynn) gave approval to go with Cetronia," Dietrich wrote. "Heidelberg was leaning toward NOVA but didn't reach a decision.

"For me, it was a tough call between Cetronia and NOVA, but I feel Cetronia would work better because they are in Weisenberg already and could handle the extra call volume.

"This by no means is an easy decision for any of us, but we're trying to do what is in the best interest of our residents."

Lynn and Heidelberg boards did not agree and the proposals provided by the different corps were based on coverage of both townships.

Lynn supervisors made a motion to approve Cetronia contingent upon Heidelberg doing the same and also contingent upon the financial agreement between the townships.

Lynn and Heidelberg supervisors were the only representatives at the meeting although board members from Albany Township, Berks County, were expected.

Lowhill Township has, at least temporarily, chosen Cetronia Ambulance Corps.

Representatives from Cetronia, Northern Valley and Northwestern ambulance corps all presented the board with requests for proposals.

Heidelberg Township Supervisor Chairman Steve Bachman appeared to favor NOVA.

"Listening to both our sides, we both are concerned for what is best for our township, and that's really what it should be," Bachman said. "Ideally, we should be working together, but there's nothing that states that we have to go with the same provider.

"Personally, for Heidelberg, as much as Cetronia has the financial wherewithal to do it all, I'm still in a solid position for NOVA for Heidelberg.

"I think for our rural character, I think NOVA is the better team for us."

Supervisor Rodney Schlauch was uncertain but also appeared to be leaning toward NOVA.

"My concern is when somebody calls 911, somebody comes and I think all three can do that," Schlauch said. "I think Cetronia probably does fit for Lynn Township, but NOVA seems to be a community-based organization we can work well with.

"One thing Heidelberg has to think of is where we would park an ambulance if we did something different."

Board Vice Chairman David Fink was unable to attend the meeting.

Heidelberg supervisors are expected to make their decision for ambulance coverage at their next meeting.

Despite pleas from residents and supporters of Northwestern Ambulance, it does not appear either township considers it is in the best interest of their residents to subsidize the ambulance corps.

An emotional Kathy Van Allen, director of Northwestern Ambulance, commented on the corps future.

"It's not just about money. It's about the service you're going to get here," Van Allen said. "We've been here 43 years and we've done an excellent job with our service.

"Northwestern loves this community and we want to continue to be here."

Van Allen spoke with The Press Wednesday morning.

"We are saddened by the fact the townships chose to bring in an outside service, rather than support the community service that has done nothing but support them for 34 years," Van Allen said. "Bigger is not always better."

Early in the meeting, Smith empathized with residents and with Northwestern Ambulance.

"At this point in time, I'd like to thank Northwestern for not only being here tonight, but to the commitment they've had to this community for the past 43 years," Smith said. "We are thankful and blessed."