The Eagle Pass Fire Department received it’s newest ambulance Thursday morning. 

The ambulance is one of two that were acquired this year, along with a third ambulance which was refurbished.

“We now have three ambulances that are going to last us for years,” said Chief Manuel Mello. “Currently there is one ambulance for each station. The Central has two ambulances, both of which are latest models, and we have two reserved. The one we just got has the latest technology, required by the state, as well as new stretchers for the safety of the patient: when one puts a patient on the stretcher, the system makes sure the patient does not move in case of an accident.”

The technologically advanced ambulance took approximately 5 months to create, said Mello, and includes an ambulance box in the rear of the vehicle with a lifetime guarantee. 

“According to the dealer these ambulances should be replaced between five and seven years, but when one is going to replace an ambulance, for example, the same box can be used,” said Mello.

Although the cost may seem pricey at $139,000, Mello said the ambulances were a good financial choice, with the EPFD already saving almost $30,000 by refurbishing one of the vehicles. 

 “We’ll be using them for several years and we’ll be able to provide better service to the city since with the other ambulances we were spending more time in the mechanic shop than at the station,” said Mello. 

EPFD will be receiving one of the last machines they ordered next month. The extinguisher is almost identical to the one purchased two years ago, said Mello, and will have a 1000 gallon tank and a pump with a capacity of 1,250  gallons.

‘We’re well protected thanks to the mayor, the council that have authorized the funds for these purchases,” said Mello.