The City of Joliet Fire Department donated several ambulances to nearby departments in need of emergency vehicles this week. A ceremony was held to officially acknowledge the transfer of the vehicles to the communities of Robbins and Ford Heights. The event was attended by Joliet Fire Chief Jeff Carey, Deputy Chief Aaron Kozlowski, Robbins Fire Chief Nic Malley, Ford Heights Assistant Fire Chief Lawrence Ewan, members of the Joliet Fire Department, and community stakeholders on Tuesday.
Joliet Fire Chief Carey approached the Joliet City Council after the department purchased new ambulances with an idea on what to do with the older well-maintained vehicles. Instead of selling them or taking them to auction they would give the vehicles away to assist nearby departments in need.
“These departments need to establish their own ambulance services because their current provider no longer services the area,” explained Chief Carey. “With the withdrawal of private ambulance services from these communities, response times have increased, putting lives at risk.”
The Robbins Fire Department (RFD) will acquire one ambulance for $1.00, according to Kozlowski. This ambulance is a 2002 with approximately 79,000 miles. Although it is older, Kozlowski stated that the vehicle has been well maintained by the City of Joliet fleet technicians. They pass safety inspections and are well maintained.
“We are thankful to receive such a well-maintained ambulance along with the added equipment from the Joliet Fire Department and are excited to add it as the newest member of our fleet. The addition of this ambulance will allow us to rotate our other 2 ambulances every 4 months as opposed to 6 months, allowing us to better serve our community, said Robbins Fire Chief Nic Malley Sr. “We began running our own ambulance last year after many decades of utilizing a private ambulance service, and we are grateful to have this type of relationship with the City of Joliet Fire Department and are excited for what the future holds.”
The Village of Ford Heights Fire Department also received two ambulances The Village of Ford Heights Fire Department received a 2002 with 104,000 miles, and one 1997 Wheel Coach ambulance with 126,000 miles.
Like the RFD vehicles, these ambulances have been well maintained by Joliet’s fleet technicians, receiving biannual safety inspections and annual IDPH inspections, with all issues addressed. Both vehicles have been stored inside one of the engine houses.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Joliet Fire Department for their generous donation of two used ambulances,” stated Lawrence Ewan, Assistant Fire Chief of the Ford Heights Fire Department. “These vehicles will enhance our emergency response capabilities and provide critical support to the Ford Heights community. This contribution exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and mutual support between departments, ensuring that we can continue to serve and protect our residents effectively,” added Ewan. news@thetimesweekly.com
