Gloucester Fire Department Receives New Ambulance to Modernize Fleet

GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith is pleased to report that the Gloucester Fire Department has received a state-of-the-art new ambulance that will modernize the fleet of two front line and two reserve ambulances.

The Gloucester Fire Department, which responds to about 5,800 calls per year, uses two front line ambulances, and two reserve ambulances, to respond to approximately 4,200 medical calls per year. Out of those medical calls, approximately 2,300 per year result in someone being transported to a hospital.

The department’s new ambulance is a 2025 International chassis and cab with a Horton module. The ambulance is equipped with a Stryker power load stretcher that can lift as much as 700 pounds while automating the process of loading and unloading the stretcher. 

The ambulance also features storage compartments that keep firefighting equipment separate from medical equipment to prevent cross-contamination when the ambulance is used at fire scenes and for medical calls. 

The 2025 truck will operate as Rescue 2. A 2019 ambulance serves as Rescue 1. In reserve are two ambulances that have been in service since 2013 and 2009. The average lifespan of a modern ambulance before maintenance costs start to mount is about 10 years. 

The addition of Rescue 1 means both of the department’s front-line ambulances are well within their expected lifespans and operating efficiently. 

The new ambulance cost about $393,134. Its purchase was funded as part of a larger loan order that also paid for two new fire engines. The engines were delivered earlier this year and are now in service.

“This ambulance is a necessary addition that will keep our fleet modern so we can best serve the needs of Gloucester residents. I want to thank Mayor Greg Verga, former Chief Administrative Office Jill Cahill, former Chief Financial Officer John Dunn, and Chief Financial Officer Conor MacCorkle for their support for the funding that we needed for these apparatus,” said Chief Smith. “In addition, I want to thank our EMS Specification Committee who put in many hours to make sure this ambulance meets our current and future needs. They did an outstanding job putting this specification together.”

Members of the EMS Specification Committee are Capt. Kevin Gargan, Temporary Capt. Dave Barrett, Lt. Dominic Gambale, Temporary Lt. Andrew Lyons, Firefighter/Paramedics Jak Letien, Matt Aiello, Nick Aiello, Jeff Budrow and Master Mechanic John Wheeler.

“Investing in our Fire Department is essential to keeping our community safe and healthy during emergencies,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “This new ambulance is a welcome and much-needed addition to the fleet — another critical tool in the toolbox. I’m proud to support the efforts that made this possible, and I’m deeply grateful to the Gloucester Fire Department for their continued commitment to serving our city.”