Updated: September 12, 2025
A recent Facebook post in the “Marlboro Milton Moms & Dads” group sparked concern among residents over the future of emergency medical services (EMS) in Marlboro and Milton. The anonymous post alleged that the current ambulance provider, Ambulnz, might be ceasing operations in the area as of December 1, raising fears about longer response times and insufficient EMS coverage.
Town Supervisor Scott Corcoran and Councilman David Zambito swiftly addressed the claims, dismissing them as unfounded and urging residents not to spread misinformation online. Both officials emphasized that the town has had continuous, 24/7 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance coverage since 2022, which is confirmed by the Southern Ulster Times. The five year contract began in 2023.
“This is not true,” Supervisor Corcoran wrote in response to the post. “I’ve spoken with Ambulnz and they’ve assured me there are no plans to end service. Posts like this create unnecessary uncertainty and can undermine public trust in our EMS.”
Corcoran added that before 2022, Marlboro relied on limited ambulance coverage, with no in-town service available between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. “One of the first things we did as a new administration was to secure around-the-clock ALS coverage. Ambulnz now staffs EMS from the Highway Department building, ensuring faster response times.”
While the cost-saving measure to negotiate ALS coverage with Ambulnz was successful in early 2023, other districts, including Putnam, have chosen to terminate their agreement with Ambulnz early. Further in the discussion, Supervisor Corcoran referenced that the board was aware that the EMS plans in place could change in the future.
While it is true that Facebook often fuels rumors, it is also one of the few public spaces where residents openly voice concerns. Social media provides a valuable platform for open, public discussion, and is not a place to quell public opinion.
The town’s messaging reflects a broader tension between official narratives and community-driven discourse on social media. While Corcoran encouraged direct engagement with officials, his response also served to marginalize Facebook discussions as potential sources of misinformation.
Despite the harsh rebuttal from leadership, the Facebook group’s administrator offered a more conciliatory view: “Even when the original concern isn’t fully accurate, it still reflects that residents are looking for clarity and reassurance. Rather than being seen only as ‘rumors,’ these discussions can be a chance to strengthen communication and trust.”
While local government insists that services are secure and community fears unfounded, the incident underscores an increasingly complex dynamic: in the shift of how information is shared, public officials must navigate not only governance but also the unruly terrain of social media.
Councilman Zambito encouraged residents to attend Town Board meetings, typically held biweekly on Mondays.
Residents wishing to make their concerns part of the official record are encouraged to email the Supervisor’s Secretary. Questions submitted this way can be read aloud during meetings, guaranteeing a response and ensuring public accountability.
At the Town Board meeting on Monday, September 8th, Supervisor Corcoran addressed the social media conversation, again emphasizing that “Ambulnz is doing a fantastic job” and that the Town’s received very few complaints. He went on to highlight a broad challenge in staffing EMS providers, and that the Town is practicing good business by staying prepared by continually reviewing alternative service providers, should it be needed.
Below is a snippet of the online discussion, with the longer threads of reply omitted.
Anonymous User
I am a little concerned about our EMS in Milton/Marlboro. I have been told that our current ambulance service Ambulanz, is not able to staff well in Marlboro, and as of December 1st they are gone. I was also told that New Paltz Rescue MAY be responding from highland into our area. NPRS is a great agency and have amazing workers but, they are picking up too much territory for a small agency. If you listen to the radio all day, the county calls surrounding agencies to respond to New Paltz as all of their ambulances are out on other emergencies. So, what does that mean for us? […] I could only pray my family would not need future services as long as we live here if this really is the circumstances.
Scott Corcoran, Town Supervisor
As the Town Supervisor I can tell you this is not true. I have heard this bad “rumor” for months. I have talked to Ambulnz and they have assured me this is not the case. A post like this only causes uncertainty, mistrust in our current Ambulance service and a safety concern for our citizens when there is none. We take safety of our citizens seriously. This is why the current Town Board is the 1st administration to ever get 24/7 ALS ambulance service for our Town. Prior to 2022 we only had 15 hours of ambulance coverage in Town. Before 2022 from 10pm – 7am our ambulance provider came from Newburgh or Highland. The first thing the current administration did was fix this safety problem for our Town and now have 24/7 ambulance service within the Town. They are stationed at the Highway Dept building. We will never allow our community to not have proper ambulance service. So please stop spreading rumors that can cause uncertainty that a ambulance will not be available when its needed. If you have questions come to one of our meetings or call me or one of your Town Board members, but please stop spreading rumors that only cause confusion and safety concerns that are not true. Thank you.
What I can tell you is I’m happy with the service Ambulnz has provided our community. I can also tell you this Board is not blinded by the fact that things could change in the future. This is why we have been pro active in planning ahead if something does change. I can assure you the Town of Marlborough will have 24/7 ALS coverage now and in the future. Thank you
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