Board of Works approves contract for SFD to purchase three new ambulances

The Shelbyville Board of Public Works and Safety approved a contract Tuesday morning with Hoosier Fire Equipment, Inc., to provide the city with three new ambulances before the end of this decade.

The Shelbyville Fire Department (SFD) currently has three fully staffed ambulances that run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to Matt Stone, the Deputy Chief of EMS for the SFD.

Two more ambulances are in reserve when needed.

The SFD typically purchases new ambulances every four years, according to Stone. The current ambulances are halfway through their four-year cycle.

The build out time for new ambulances is two years. Once completed and delivered to the SFD, the two best current ambulances will move into reserve status, and the three new ambulances will roll into service.

The contract was approved 3-0.

SFD Fire Chief Doug Lutes then provided an update to the board. With a new fire truck in service (photo) and an older fire truck with a blown motor now back in service, Lutes stated, “this is the best shape we’ve been in the last five to 10 years with vehicles.”

A promotion process is underway to replace the retiring Battalion Chief Jeff Tennell.

To fill Tennell’s position, the promotion process will also create openings at Captain and Lieutenant within the SFD.

Lutes also informed the board that the SFD run totals are on pace to surpass the 2025 run totals.

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