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Excerpts from joliet.gov:

City of Joliet Fire Department Transfers Ambulances to Communities in Need                                          

October 22, 2024                                                       

The City of Joliet Fire Department held a ceremony to acknowledge the official transfer of several ambulances to the communities of Robbins and Ford Heights who are in need of emergency vehicles.

The Joliet Fire Department recently purchased new ambulances, and rather than selling the older vehicles or retiring them at auction for minimal financial return, Fire Chief Jeff Carey approached the city council about assisting 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 will acquire a 2002 unit on an International chassis with approximately 79,000 miles for $1.00. Although it is older, the vehicle has been well maintained by the City of Joliet (COJ) fleet technicians. The ambulance is sent to safety inspections twice a year, with any issues promptly addressed. It also undergoes an annual inspection by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and any findings are resolved by fleet services or the Joliet Fire Department.

The Village of Ford Heights Fire Department received two ambulances at a cost of $1.00 each. One on a 2002 International chassis with 104,000 miles, and one 1997 Wheeled Coach ambulance with 126,000 miles. These ambulances also have been well maintained, receiving biannual safety inspections and annual IDPH inspections, with all issues addressed. Both vehicles have been stored inside one of the firehouses, and will include a cot, stair chair, and backboards. 

thanks Dennis

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