BUCKFIELD — By a vote of 139-50, residents Wednesday night rescinded the June 14 town meeting vote to cut the Rescue Department budget and instead raised and appropriated the full $186,585.

The amount approved in June was $51,585 less than that, and would have meant cutting ambulance service from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekdays and entriely on weekends.

“I’d rather drive over potholes than lose our rescue,” Laura Parks said.

Pat Ledley also voiced support for restoring the original proposed budget amount.

“I have a machine working my heart and I need care on the spot to get me to a hospital if something happens,” she said.

Warren Wright said cutting the budget could cut someone’s life.

At the annual town meeting, Charles Berg said residents were aware that for some time the Rescue Department had been over its budget.

“The selectmen should have been informed by the town manager and this should not continue,” he said.

The vote by raised hands prompted some to ask afterward for a secret ballot. Moderator Terry Hayes said it should have been requested beforehand, however, she called for residents to raise their hands again and monitors counted them.

“I’m very happy the voters turned out and their voices were heard,” Rescue Chief Lisa Bennett said. “We were very pleased with all the support for our service.”