By Catherine Wilde
Staff Writer
Published March 26, 2008

Helen and Michael Chiang have never used an ambulance before.

But that didn’t stop the Alpine couple from donating $175,000 for the purchase of a new ambulance that will be used by the Closter Ambulance Corps.

"They have never used ambulance services at all," Ambulance Corp Capt. Jean-Marie Varni said. "They just felt they were getting older and wanted to know there was an ambulance there if they ever needed it."

The donation, which came from the Alpine couple’s Helen and Michael Chiang Foundation, was used to purchase an international style ambulance. That style, Varni said, is larger than the one the corps currently has.

The present ambulance is a Ford, said Varni, adding that the new ambulance is an "upgraded version" and will give patients a smoother ride.

Varni said the ambulance, received about three weeks ago, is covering the territory the ambulance corps services, which includes Alpine, 9W and the Palisades Interstate Parkway.

The corps was due to purchase a new ambulance, said Varni.

"Normally every five or 10 years we purchase an ambulance. This year it was the town’s year to purchase an ambulance," said Varni, who is grateful for the donation.

In accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) policy, the state mandates that the ambulances are updated frequently, she said.

Varni said the Chiangs will be presented with a plaque for their generosity in April. At that time a picture will be taken of them in front of the ambulance with Ambulance Corps members.