WASHINGTON COUNTY– The Washington County Division of Emergency Services (DES) continues to demonstrate its commitment to community safety and operational readiness with a strengthened reserve engine and ambulance fleet. Reserve apparatus serve as critical backup units when frontline units are out of service for maintenance, repairs, or extended incidents, helping sustain response capabilities and providing an additional layer of support to fire and rescue services under the guidance of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).
The County’s reserve fleet exceeds both national and local consensus standards and is designed to enhance public safety. Key features of the reserve engines include:
- Clean Cab concept to reduce exposure to carcinogens
- Side roll protection system and frontal airbags for occupant safety
- TAK-4® Independent Suspension systems and Roll Stability Control (RSC)
- Seat belt warning system and Ready Reach seatbelts for hassle-free use
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for improved vehicle control
- Interior dome lights, noise insulation, and tinted windows for visibility and comfort
- Camera vision systems for clear obstacle detection
- PS6® & PSV® seats for enhanced comfort and safety
- HAAS alerting system
Maintaining a robust reserve fleet also extends the life of frontline apparatus, reducing wear and mileage, and protecting taxpayer investment. Reserve engines and ambulances often remain mission-ready throughout their service cycle, which can exceed 15 years.
“The addition of new reserve units ensures uninterrupted fire and EMS service, even during periods of high demand or when primary resources are unavailable,” said R. David Hays, Director of Emergency Services. “Our ongoing investment in reserve apparatus reflects our dedication to reliability, preparedness, and fiscal responsibility for the safety of our residents.”
The Board of County Commissioners recently approved the purchase of a new engine and ambulance, which will be added to the County’s reserve fleet. These additions further strengthen Washington County’s emergency response capabilities by providing critical backup resources when frontline units are unavailable due to maintenance, repairs, or extended incidents. By investing in both frontline and reserve apparatus, the County ensures that emergency services remain reliable, responsive, and ready to meet the needs of the community at all times. These new units also incorporate the latest safety and operational features, enhancing firefighter protection and overall mission effectiveness while preserving taxpayer investment in long-term public safety infrastructure.
