TAMPA, Fla. — As Tampa’s population grows, so does concern over fire-rescue response times and public safety.
The department has been hiring more firefighters and paramedics, and on Monday they took another major step by debuting eight new fire trucks and rescue units — all ready to hit the road.
It’s the first phase of the city’s commitment to modernize and add to its fleet.
“We've been waiting for this day for quite some time,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said. “And it really is a milestone.”
For years, Tampa firefighters have warned about the danger of the city's aging firetruck fleet. Now the first eight of more than two dozen fire trucks and paramedic units are ready to roll.
“Transforming Tampa’s tomorrow includes transforming our fire department,” Castor said. “So, it meets modern-day needs of our vastly growing community.”
The state-of-the-art trucks cost less than the previous generation but have improvements designed to protect firefighters and the public.
For example, the interior is lined with more metal and there are removable seat covers to keep the vehicles clean and in service. There’s an improved air handling system to remove dangerous pathogens.
There are also radio and light systems that can control traffic lights to speed responses.
“Public safety is issue number one,” Tampa Councilman Luis Viera said. “It's an issue of equity for neighborhoods. It's an issue of respect and dignity. And we are working hard to make sure that we get things right with public safety.”
While most of the new vehicles will replace aging trucks, TFR says five of them will be added to the fleet.
The older trucks will then be reassigned as additional units at firehouses where they can improve response times.
“Currently,” said Chief Barbara Tripp, “there are currently five stations without a rescue car. And that is the goal...is to make sure that they are implemented within the next year.”
While the city’s fire union points out the majority of vehicles are replacements – not adding to the fleet, they acknowledge the improve safety the newer vehicles will help deliver.
“It is taking a step in the right direction. Specifically, on assuring safer responses are being utilized for our community,” Tampa Firefighter Union Pres. Nick Stocco said.
Another piece of equipment unveiled, something the city of Tampa has never had before, is a pair of so-called ambu-buses.
Inside the converted school buses are up to 12 stretchers retrofitted to respond to mass casualty incidents. As Tampa's population continues to grow. It is another piece of equipment that fire rescue hopes they never have to use.
The city's firefighter union says Tampa still needs to build more fire stations, but officials say putting more ambulances and rescue units in smaller or existing stations might make better financial sense. That's because they say about 90% of the calls received are for accidents and medical calls, not actual fires.
In all, Tampa has earmarked $125 million for additional trucks and paramedic units, plus another $116 million for firehouse updates, improvements and a brand-new station near Busch Gardens.
“Investing in — and upgrading Tampa Fire Rescue,” Castor said. “More than this community has seen in generations.”