70 Years of Progress at Cetronia Ambulance Corps
October 9, 2025 | Category: Article
From a humble barn on 40th & Walnut Streets to a state-of-the-art emergency medical services organization, Cetronia Ambulance Corps has come a long way since its founding in 1955. What began with eight dedicated volunteers, one 1948 Buick ambulance, and a mission to serve the community has evolved into one of Pennsylvania’s leading EMS providers. Join us as we take a journey through the decades to see how Cetronia’s commitment, innovation, and community support have shaped who we are today.
Beginnings of Cetronia
1955: Eight volunteers came together with one goal: to create Cetronia Ambulance Corps. Through fundraisers and community support, they purchased their first ambulance – a 1948 Buick for $3,400 and began operations out of a barn at 40th & Walnut Streets.
June 1955: The volunteers completed their American Red Cross training in First Aid Procedures and Ambulance Operations.
First Year: Cetronia’s volunteers responded to 29 emergency calls and traveled 400 miles in their trusty Buick ambulance.
Founders: A. Paul Bastian, Albert P. Bastian, Alden Dorney, Russell Haas, Jr., Wilmer McNabb, Wilmer Rex, Irene and Adam Stephens
Captain Adam Stephens with newly delivered 1959 Chevrolet Ambulance
1960s
1962: When Allentown Hospital ended its in-house ambulance service, the need for emergency transportation grew dramatically. To meet the demand, Cetronia purchased a new Cadillac ambulance with S&H Green Stamps. This same year, Cetronia separated from the Fire Company and became its own nonprofit organization, adopting a constitution, bylaws, and a board of directors.
Call volume: 390.
1967: Cetronia officially obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and constructed a new facility at 3939 Broadway.
September 1967: The new station opened its doors, marking the beginning of 24/7 ambulance service for the community.
1962 Cadillac
1970s
1972: Volunteers earned their Emergency Medical Technician certifications through the first course offered at Lehigh Carbon Community College.
1973: Membership exceeded 100 volunteers, responding to over 3,000 calls between 1967 and 1973. An expansion at 3939 Broadway added seven garage bays, a kitchen, a media center, and multipurpose spaces.
Fleet Highlights: Four Cadillac ambulances, a Dodge Van unit (equipped with hospital radio communication), an $80,000 Mobile Emergency Room, and the Jaws of Life.
1975 Fleet
1980s
A new era in emergency services began – paramedics joined the field to increase skill and efficiency.
1981: Volunteers received their first uniforms, creating a more professional appearance.
1982: Cetronia hired its first paid staff: two full-time and six part-time associates.
1983: A community parade celebrated the addition of two new 1983 Ford Models.
1984: A Junior Squad was formed for members ages 15-18.
1985: A long-range planning committee was established to develop expansion plans for 3939 Broadway.
Fleet: Three BLS units, three ALS units, and one rescue truck.
Call volume: 6,777.
1986: A computer billing system was installed. New vehicles included one 1986 EVF Ford and two Baun Mini-Mods.
1987: As transportation demand grew, Cetronia added more trans-crews, hired two full-time paramedic supervisors, and began expanding the garage to five bays.
Personnel: 125 volunteers, 16 paramedics, 21 paid associates.
1988: A full-time office manager was hired for billing.
1989: Fundraising methods changed after South Whitehall Township declined to legalize small games of chance. Cetronia launched a successful community donation campaign and expanded transportation to evening hours. Part-time dispatchers were also added. The board restructured to include community leaders.
Fleet: Five BLS units, four ALS units, and one rescue truck.
1982 Ford Braun
1990s
1991: The Board of Trustees expanded to 15 members, and two night-shift supervisors were added.
1992: Whitehall Township designated Cetronia as its primary EMS provider.
1996: The Paratransit Division was launched to help offset Medicare cutbacks.
1999: The Teen Associate Program was formed, lowering the employee age to 18. Cetronia also launched its Bike Team, providing a new level of community service.
Call Volume: 27,382
2000s
2002: Cetronia took over management of Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Centralized Ambulance Transport, ensuring timely and efficient patient transfers.
January 2008: The organization adopted a High-Performance EMS System using predictive modeling software to strategically position vehicles. The average response time dropped to 7 minutes and 22 seconds.
2008: Cetronia became the only provider in Eastern Pennsylvania to achieve the Gold Standard of Organizational Excellence from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). Only seven services in Pennsylvania and 144 nationwide held this certification. That same year, Cetronia received the “Ambulance Service of the Year” award from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
2010s
2011: CAAS re-accreditation achieved.
2014: Cetronia earned another CAAS re-accreditation and was recognized by Lehigh Valley Health Network as the Top Performer for Pre-Hospital Cardiac Care in Lehigh County. This year also marked the opening of Cetronia’s Joint Operations Facility, developed in partnership with the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office and Emergency Management.
2015: The American Heart Association awarded Cetronia the Silver Performance Achievement Award for excellence in treating STEMI patients.
Present Day
August 2020: Cetronia installed its first zeroRPM system, reducing idling costs and vehicle emissions.
2022: Paratransit Crew Chief positions were created to manage the growing team.
2023: Cetronia became an ECSI Training Center, expanding its ability to host safety and health education programs.
2024: “Safe Cars” were added to the fleet to transport low-acuity mental health patients. Cetronia was officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as an EMT training school eligible for GI Bill® benefits. In May, Cetronia expanded its service area, becoming the official EMS provider for Bushkill Township in Northampton County.
Fleet: 20 ambulances, 26 Paratransit vehicles, and 1 Supervisor vehicle
Personnel: 133 full-time employees and 65 part-time employees
Every milestone in our history reflects the dedication of those who have served and the generosity of those who believe in our mission. As we continue to grow and evolve, your support helps ensure we can keep delivering lifesaving care for generations to come.