By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Great Bend Fire Department organizes a vehicle replacement plan for all of their vehicles to replace them at an age, mileage and engine hours that keeps maintenance costs down and maximizes the trade-in value.
In early 2023, the Fire Department began looking to replace their 2012 ambulance that was scheduled to be swapped out in 2025. Receiving two bids, Fire Chief Brent Smith said a committee suggested purchasing from American Response Vehicles.
"This was the recommended bid because the other ambulance had a gas motor," said Smith. "A diesel was requested. The other one also did not have four-wheel drive which was also requested."
The Great Bend City Council approved the purchase of the new ambulance for $352,357 with the trade-in of the 2012 model. American Response Vehicles notified the Fire Department that vehicle delivery dates are in the range of two and a half to three years out.
Smith said when the delivery date gets closer, there are local departments interested in purchasing Great Bend’s old ambulance.
"We have that option available to us as we get closer to the delivery date," said Smith. "Once we get that delivery date, hopefully we can work something out to help benefit somebody in our county or close to it."
Great Bend has four ambulances for service, and Smith said it is not uncommon to have three out at the same time.