PROVIDENCE, R.I. 鈥� The Providence Fire Department purchased two new rescue trucks for $317,811 each.
The rigs will replace Providence鈥檚 busiest EMS units, Rescue 3 and 4, stationed downtown, reported.
Funding for Rescue 3 came entirely from the department鈥檚 EMS billing revenue, while Rescue 4 was paid for with a $235,334 FY21 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), supplemented by an $82,477 contribution from the city.
| DOWNLOAD: How to buy ambulances (eBook)
In 2024, the two units answered a combined 12,179 of the department鈥檚 45,750 runs, placing them among the nation鈥檚 busiest ambulance crews. The new ambulances are expected to be in service by late fall after crew orientation and equipment changeover.
鈥淲hen you think about the sheer volume of those emergencies they handle, it鈥檚 clear how important reliable equipment is, not only for the people who call 911, but also for the crews who answer those calls,鈥� Fire Chief Derek Silva said.
| READ NEXT: AFG funding options for eligible EMS agencies
Silva said these rescues are the first of several planned replacements, but manufacturing delays have caused a nationwide fire apparatus shortage.
Looking to navigate the complexities of grants funding? Lexipol is your go-to resource for state-specific, fully developed grants services that can help fund your needs. Find out more about our grants services here.
