By DAVID O’CONNOR New Era Staff Writer

It’s easy to think of some time-consuming tasks that started out hard but then got easier the next time.

That’s even true of merging emergency service organizations.

“After you’ve done so many of these, the process becomes smoother,” said Mike Fitzgibbons, chief executive officer of Susquehanna Valley EMS.

In its fifth such move in recent years, SVEMS has consolidated operations with Willow Street EMS, making Susquehanna Valley the largest ambulance-service provider in Lancaster County.

The move was officially completed in December, and while “there’s not going to be a big change to the residents, the overall benefits to the community are certainly going to be a lot greater,” Fitzgibbons said this morning.

“We were doing some things, jointly working together, and this just makes it official.”

The addition of Willow Street’s 40 or so personnel means Susquehanna Valley EMS, based at 711 Catherine St. in Rohrerstown, now has a total of 133 paid personnel.

“Us being larger, we’re able to more effectively cover the area down there,” said Fitzgibbons, adding that the two EMS groups have a history of working well together.

He also commended Willow Street’s former executive director, Shirley Cox, for her efforts in making the consolidation work. Cox has been named operations manager for Suquehanna Valley.

If you live in Willow Street, Quarryville or another community once covered by the old ambulance, the vehicle that pulls up when needed will still say “Willow Street” on it, since two were ordered and arrived just before the consolidation.

But questions and payments should go to Susquehanna Valley.

There are two vehicles at the Willow Street station and one at the Willow Street station and one at the Quarryville station, and all three are equipped with advanced life support.

SVEMS already includes stations in Mount Joy, Columbia, Rohrerstown and at Woodcrest Villa retirement community.