NEW GLOUCESTER — The town’s ambulance transport service is off to a good start, officials said.

Deputy Rescue Chief Mary Rich said Monday that since the service was launched Nov. 18 they have responded to calls, including two for transport and one for mutual aid.

Fire/Rescue Chief Gary Sacco said the town hired three per diem paramedics to complement the town’s five advanced EMTs and two paramedics. The per diem staff provide on-duty coverage from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. New Gloucester Rescue members provide coverage from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

“I am very pleased in having the per diem staff for full-time day coverage, that’s a big asset,” Rich said.

Most members of the department have completed ambulance operators training and an emergency vehicle operators course and can serve as drivers. Fire/Rescue personnel also have completed training to meet the requirements of two area hospitals.

The town bought a 2006 Ford E-460 Type II ambulance from Sugarloaf Ambulance for $1. It will be sold back to Sugarloaf once the town finds a permanent vehicle.