Press Release - For Immediate Release
New agreement preserves Rindge’s local-first response while providing more stable and accountable transporting ambulance coverage.
Rindge, NH, September 14th, 2026 – The Rindge Board of Selectmen, by a 2-0-1 vote, selected Peterborough Fire and Rescue to provide transporting ambulance service beginning January 1, 2027. The transition concludes 80 years of service by Jaffrey Rindge Memorial Ambulance (JRMA). The Town would like to thank JRMA and its emergency medical personnel for their service to Rindge residents. The two entities have agreed to continue services through the duration of the current contract, sunsetting at end-of-date December 31, 2026.
What Residents Can Expect:
The planned change will not alter Rindge’s initial emergency medical response. Rindge Fire & Rescue has operated a non-transport EMS unit, 26R1, since 1974 which is equipped at the ALS (Advanced Life Support) level. When there is a medical emergency, 26R1 and the ambulance service are toned at the same time. Rindge EMS providers arrive on scene and initiate patient care while waiting for the incoming ambulance. The distance from Peterborough therefore does not represent the time residents wait for care to begin. As with JRMA, care will be initiated by Rindge EMS providers.
Selection Process:
This selection was not taken lightly. The selection followed a four-month review led by Fire Chief Faas and the Town Administrator. Together, they evaluated proposals from Winchendon, MA, Cheshire County, and Peterborough while simultaneously assessing the services provided by JRMA. The decision to evaluate JRMA was part of a normal, professional due-diligence process. However, it was also necessary because of several concerns raised to Town officials over the last few years after the dismissal of the former JRMA Director and some changes at the Board level. Some of these openly acknowledged concerns included JRMA being unavailable for service on several occasions, reliance on a subcontractor based out of Hillsborough to staff their ambulances, and general contract disputes. For example, the contract between JRMA and the Town of Rindge stated that all supplementary bills would be paid for by JRMA, yet the Town began receiving these bills in June 2026 and was told the Town was responsible for them.
The selection of Peterborough Fire and Rescue constitutes the most effective blend of service quality and overall cost to the taxpayer. This research determined that the proposed contract with Cheshire County would have required extensive renovations, including bunk rooms for their personnel and a fire suppression system. The Town brought in an independent consultant and it became apparent that the extensive renovations needed made the proposal cost prohibitive. Partnering with Winchendon would have required dual-state certifications for emergency personnel and vehicles. While these regulatory hurdles prevent Winchendon from serving as Rindge’s primary ambulance provider, the department will continue offering mutual aid support.
It is important to note that the Town of Rindge began the review of services early to avoid repeating the compressed negotiations of the previous contract cycle. In recent years, JRMA experienced leadership, operational, and financial challenges. Its requested municipal support increased substantially, doubling year-over-year from $46,500 in 2024 to $250,000 for 2027. The Town also encountered disputed supplemental charges and periods when coverage depended upon subcontractors.
The goal of the Town was to develop operational and financial stability with an established provider so residents, businesses and visitors to the town can benefit from high-quality, cost-conscious services.