Marion County Fire Rescue recently added seven new ambulances to its fleet.
According to MCFR, each of the new medic/rescue trucks came fully equipped and had a price tag of approximately $500,000. The vehicles are expected to be used as a front-line service vehicle for the next five to six years.
These ambulances were purchased “to replace aging equipment.” The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase, and it was funded through the Penny Sales Tax.
In a media release, Marion County Fire Rescue stated that the new ambulances will go into service on May 31, 2024. The vehicles will be assigned to MCFR’s East Marion Station #4, Fort McCoy Station #7, Shady Station #16, Ray Lloyd Station #31, Ocala Central HP Station, and Spruce Creek Station #30.
On Thursday morning, Marion County Fire Chief James Banta stated that he is “thrilled to announce a significant upgrade to our fleet at MCFR.”
“Welcome aboard to our seven new ambulances, equipped and ready to serve our community with faster response times and advanced life-saving technology,” added the fire chief. “Each addition represents our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.”
In addition to the new ambulances, construction is currently underway on MCFR’s new Ocala Central EMS station. The new station, which is replacing their previous facility, will provide patient transport service to citizens and visitors in the central and western areas of Ocala, as well as urban service areas outside of the city.