Chris Kopas, a member of the Butler County Emergency Services Unit team, sits with Eddie, Luke, and Callie Lenz in the emergency services unit vehicle during a fundraiser Thursday. Julia Maruca/Butler Eagle

MARS — Community members and families braved the rain to support Quality EMS at a “FUNraiser” on Thursday afternoon at the Mars location of Armco Credit Union.

The event, which featured kids’ activities, a CPR certification training class, children’s car seat checks and food trucks, was held to help raise funds for a new ambulance.

“We have three trucks, and they’re all older, with lots of miles,” said Chris Fessides, paramedic with Quality EMS. “Not only that, you’ve got the cost of maintaining them, vehicle maintenance, and, obviously, fuel — keeping fuel in them. Rising fuel prices add into that.”

Conrad Pfeifer, executive director of Quality EMS, said the new ambulance would cost $180,000. Ambulances go through a lot of wear and tear, Pfeifer said, more than a regular car would on a normal basis.

“We try to get a new one every four years,” he said. “Different drivers, 24 hours, and they’re going zero to 60, 60 to zero. We’re not driving down the highway.”

Eric Greenway hands a donation to Quality EMS paramedics at a fundraiser Thursday afternoon. Julia Maruca/Butler Eagle

Fuel costs and labor shortages also have had an impact.

“Getting paramedics and EMTs is our biggest (issue),” he said. “Since COVID has slowed down, it’s been easier to get medical supplies, so that’s not as big of an issue. Ambulances are huge, and personnel.”

Michele Jurysta, marketing manager at Armco Credit Union, said she had heard about the challenges Quality EMS faces and wanted to raise money for them during the celebration of the Mars location’s first year.

“You really have to be dedicated to serving others to stay in this position for a long time,” she said.

Jaxon Esposito, 5, sits on the shoulders of his grandfather, Dale Kline, as he picks out which ice cream he would like. Julia Maruca/Butler Eagle