3 Joliet Fire Department Ambulances Sold Off For $3: Here's Why

JOLIET ? The City of Joliet Fire Department issued a press release to acknowledge Tuesday's transfer of several ambulances to Ford Heights and Robbins, two nearby departments in need of emergency vehicles.

According to the press release written by the city of Joliet communications director Rosemaria DiBenedetto:

The ceremony was attended by Joliet Fire Chief Jeff Carey, Deputy Chief Aaron Kozlowski, Robbins Fire Chief Nic Malley, Ford Heights Assistant Fire Chief Lawrence Ewan, members of the Joliet Fire Department and others.

The Joliet Fire Department recently purchased new ambulances, and rather than selling the older vehicles or retiring them at auction for minimal financial return, Chief Carey approached the City Council about assisting nearby departments in need.

?These departments need to establish their own ambulance services because their current provider no longer services the area,? explained Carey. ?With the withdrawal of private ambulance services from these communities, response times have increased, putting lives at risk.?

The Robbins Fire Department will acquire one Joliet ambulance for $1. This ambulance is a 2002 International Model #4700 with approximately 79,000 miles.

The Village of Ford Heights Fire Department also received two ambulances at a cost of $1 each. Ford Heights acquired one International Model #4700 ambulance, a 2002 model with 104,000 miles, and one 1997 Wheel Coach ambulance with 126,000 miles.

?We are incredibly grateful to the Joliet Fire Department for their generous donation of two used ambulances,? stated Lawrence Ewan, Assistant Fire Chief of the Ford Heights Fire Department, in Tuesday's press release. ?These vehicles will enhance our emergency response capabilities and provide critical support to the Ford Heights community. This contribution exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and mutual support between departments, ensuring that we can continue to serve and protect our residents effectively."