In 1939 Harry Hoffman initiated a privately owned and financed ambulance service to Dashwood and Grand Bend. The first ambulance initially equipped only with oxygen, was a two door Hudson, and was housed at the funeral home. He and his wife Maud, operated the service, with Harry attending the calls and Maud dispatching. Hoffman's Ambulance Service was expanded in 1965 to include Exeter, Centralia and area. Truly a family run business, sons Robert, William and James all became active in the service. Robert and James on a full time basis, and William on a part time basis. James, who started at a young age of 16, was involved with the ambulances, eventually becoming manager.

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