About Us

The Clifton Park & Halfmoon Emergency Corps. was started forty-seven years ago. A car sitting on the bank of the Mohawk River rolled into the river. Before anyone could stop it, the car had gone under the water, a child still inside. Someone called for help, but there was no one. The closest ambulance was in Waterford and arrived forty-five minutes later, but it was too late. It was this tragedy that spawned what is now the Clifton Park & Halfmoon Emergency Corps.

In August of 1950, after the tragic event, a group of people started to meet informally to discuss the need for an ambulance. In September they held their first formal meeting at the Vischer Ferry Fire House. The group was headed by a Gene Sabourin, a founding member. They purchased a 1937 Packard Ambulance and equipped it with the bare essentials. All of these expenses were paid for out of the members pocket.

They didn't have a roof over their head to call home, and money was scarce. The ambulance was moved from various locations within the towns. Sometimes at the Halfmoon Fire House, or Gene Sabourin's yard, or Brown's or Ruddy's Garages. They didn't let this get them down, they pressed on.

On June 19th, 1951, the Corps was incorporated. They went to work immediately to collect funds from the community to support their effort. As time passed people more readily accepted this group of volunteers and the donations started coming in.

In 1953 the Corps was in need of another ambulance, the 1937 was wearing thin. A 1948 Packard Ambulance was purchased and served a four year stint with the agency. As time passed more donations came in, both in money and equipment.

Two events occurred in 1959 that were memorable for the Corps. The first was a NEW ambulance, a 1959 Chevy. The second event was the laying of the foundation for a permanent home on Plant Road in Halfmoon. This land was donated by Mrs. Roy Hayner in memory of her husband. Through donations, both in labor and materials, the building was erected. The Corps finally had a home they could be proud of.

By 1960, the Corps was answering nearly 200 calls for help each year.  Ten years later, the Corps was stronger than ever, and growing.  Some of the first Paramedics in the Capital District were members of Corps.   The early members of the Corps had a great deal of pride, a willingness to give back to their community, and a strong commitment to providing quality pre-hospital care.

Now, decades later, we are busier than ever!  In 2008 we responded to almost 4000 calls for help.  We cover approximately 80 square miles between the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, from the Twin Bridges to Exit 11 of I-87.  Our station is centrally located on Crossing Blvd, near the intersection of Rts. 9 & 146.