The Washington County Division of Emergency Services (DES) has increased efforts for community safety and operational readiness with a
strengthened reserve engine and ambulance fleet.
“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.”
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.
To learn more about these updates see the county website
