This project provides for ongoing replacement of fire apparatus and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) vehicles. The following units are anticipated to be replaced over the six year period: seven aerials, 46 EMS units (ambulances), 18 engines, one brush/AWD engine, four rescue squad/hazmat units, two tankers, two air supply units, two boat support units, one passenger bus, four box trucks, one medical care support unit, two medical ambulance buses, and three fleet service trucks. These are approximate quantities and may require slight adjustment as costs and departmental needs are determined on an annual basis. The regular acquisition of replacement fire apparatus is an integral component of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) Master Plan, MCFRS Accreditation, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901 Annex D.

Apparatus Replacement is an ongoing project. The intention is to provide a steady and continuous flow of funding for minimum replacement needs.

The 2016 edition of the NFPA 1901 Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus advises the following: "changes, upgrades, and fine tuning to NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, have been truly significant, especially in the area of safety. Fire departments should seriously consider the value (or risk) to firefighters of keeping fire apparatus older than 15 years in first-line service." Regular apparatus replacement is identified in the current "Fire, Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, and Community Risk Reduction Master Plan," as approved by the County Council. It is also a requirement of the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. Replacement fire apparatus includes enhanced safety features as well as decreased downtime for maintenance and repairs.

This project will be funded with short-term financing and the Consolidated Fire Tax District Fund which includes Emergency Medical Service Transport (EMST) revenue. Fire Consolidated current revenue shown above reflects the outright purchase of some apparatus and required non-financeable equipment. Debt service will be paid for in the operating budget with EMST revenue as a primary funding source.
FY23 supplemental in Short-Term Financing for the amount of $4,234,000.

Expenditures will continue indefinitely.

Local Volunteer Fire and Rescue Departments.