South Shore Ambulance Ordered, Expected Arrival in August

It took a while, but the South Shore Fire Department is getting a new ambulance by the end of this summer. 

SSFD Chief Robert Stedman confirmed with Patch Friday that a demo unit has been ordered and is expected to be on road by the end of August.

"It's a great vehicle and will work well for our needs," he said. "We expect delivery by the end of August, but we might get it sooner if possible."

A demo unit was on display at both Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant village halls earlier this month for trustees and SSFD personnel to look over. Firefighters also got the chance last week to load their gear into the demo to be sure it was a good fit.

Stedman said there was some concern over the small refrigerator ambulances carry for certain medicines, but Foster Coach, the company chosen to supply the unit, has come up with a solution that works for the department.

Both Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant trustees approved the purchase of a new or demo ambulance not to exceed $180,000. Stedman said the price of the ordered demo comes to $172,697 and includes the trade-in of the 1998 unit.

With the addition of the mobile radio, the purchase of an extended warranty on the chassis with Ford and branding the unit with South Shore graphics, the total price will hit close to the $180,000.