The DC Fire/EMS Department is poised to receive several new pieces of equipment, including 20 ambulances and 18 pumpers, to enhance its fleet. The announcement is seen as a positive step for the Department as it continues to upgrade and improve equipment and training.

Funded in part from Congressional appropriations in the wake of September 11, the department will receive 14 new ambulances and two fuel trucks this summer. A brush truck will arrive between August and October of this year, and 18 pumpers will follow in February 2003 (it takes nearly a year to build each one of these specialized pieces).

"This is very positive news for the health of our fleet," said Fire/EMS Chief Ronnie Few. "I am very grateful to Congress and Mayor Williams for their assistance in getting this needed equipment, which will benefit the residents and visitors of the District of Columbia."

An aerial tower and two ladder trucks are being purchased. Their delivery is expected next summer. In addition, several rehabilitation projects have been approved to upgrade aerial ladder trucks, rescue squads and one of the fireboats. Also, a system-wide assessment has begun to bring the current front-line fleet up to par while new pumpers and ladder trucks are being built.

Even more equipment, including a Haz-Mat unit, pumpers, a mass casualty unit, and ambulances are included in the next phase of equipment purchases.