Fire Chief Finds Creative Way to Get New Ambulance for 2012

Port Washington has a new ambulance, but it won’t hit the streets until 2012, the result of a creative solution by Fire Chief Mark Mitchell.

When the Ford Motor Co. discontinued the diesel option for the E-series chassis in 2011, Mitchell approached the Common Council last year with a unique proposal — allow him buy a 2010 Ford diesel chassis, then store it until mid-2011 when it will be delivered to the ambulance builder in Indiana for completion. The end result will be a new ambulance delivered next year to his liking and the liking of his dozens of volunteer EMT/paramedics who serve Port Washington citizens.had an important decision to make if wanted to get the new vehicle he wanted.

“Gas engines and emergency vehicles, that’s what we used to do and they overheat; they’re a pain in the neck,” Mitchell said. “You wouldn’t want your loved one stuck in an ambulance because it overheated and couldn’t run so we’ve gone entirely to diesel."

The new ambulance next year will be the fleet's third. With a price tag of approximately $150,000, the chief had the option of paying for the diesel chassis, approximately $40,000, with part of his 2010 budget. Part of the 2011 budget will cover the remaining balance. It’s this type of research and fiscal responsibility that Port Washington Mayor Scott Huebner applauds.

“Chief Mitchell does a great job researching the equipment his department needs and always looks for ways, either through grants or other means, to reduce the cost for the tax payers without compromising the quality,” Huebner said.

One of the current ambulances the department has is a 2008 Ford E-450. The other is approximately 20 years old, but in 1998 the chassis was replaced. Since the ambulances are driven less than 10,000 miles a year, these diesel vehicles have a life expectancy of 20 years or longer. The addition of the new ambulance next year puts Port Washington in good shape for years to come and allows volunteers to respond to calls in typically 10 minutes or less, Mitchell said.

“Having current and updated rescue equipment and vehicles is very important to our emergency service departments,” Huebner said. “The volunteers do a great job for the citizens of our city and it is greatly appreciated,” he added.