SAN ANTONIO -- The San Antonio Fire Department celebrated the unveiling of 18 new Emergency Medical Services ambulances on Wednesday.
- $5 million for 18 ambulances
- State-of-the-art technology, such as UV Germicidal Light system
- Anti-theft system
"I wouldn't consider these a Lamborghini, but I would consider these one of the finest ambulances that any metro fire departments in the country has," Fire Chief Charles Hood said.
Each vehicle cost $292,000. The 2018 fiscal budget paid over $5 million for the additions to the current 35-unit fleet.
Each ambulance has a city mandated four-year or 200,000-mile lifespan.
Seventeen of the older units are now headed to auction.
Hood said the emergency vehicles come loaded with state-of-the-art technology, such as a UV Germicidal Light system, a germ killer designed to help keep a cleaner ambulance.
Each unit is equipped with an anti-theft system, which recognizes the designated paramedic/firefighter in charge of the vehicle.
A necessary purchase the chief said, which should generate a morale boost among the rank and file.
"I guarantee you that they will all be excited to see these absolutely beautiful units” Hood said. “So yeah, there will be a huge sense of pride when they get a new rig."
The new vehicles hit the road immediately.