Tampa Fire Rescue has added of eight new emergency response vehicles to its fleet. This upgrade includes three new fire engines, three new rescue cars, and two new Ambu-buses.
A Pivotal Step in Tampa Fire Rescue’s Ongoing Public Safety Efforts
According to Mayor Jane Castor the city is investing in and upgrading Tampa Fire Rescue "more than this community has seen in multiple generations."
In addition to the new vehicles, which include engines with a more cost effective and reliable staircase design, more spacious cabins, and superior air filtration systems to better protect firefighters from toxins, fire facilities throughout the city have also seen recent upgrades.
Since 2020:
A dozen outdated fire stations have been renovated, including a complete remodel of Fire Station 25 and funding approved for a new Station 24 and fleet facility.
A new multistory firefighter training tower was built at the 34th Street training grounds in 2023.
A new computer-aided dispatch system was purchased.
A total of 27 new vehicles have been ordered since 2020, most being rescue vehicles due to nine in 10 emergency calls being medical related, rather than fire.
Photo: City of Tampa
“In 2022, we opened Rescue Station 25 with two rescues, which decreased call volume for three neighboring stations. Imagine the difference with five rescues,” said Chief Barbara Tripp. “By filling our stations with additional resources, we can decrease response times throughout the city.”
Under Chief Tripp's leadership, more than 130 new Fire Rescue men and women have joined the department through nine hiring classes. Firefighters were also recently granted an 18% salary increase over three years, according to the city.
Tampa's Capital Improvement Plan has more than $116 million in fire stations and facilities and $127 million in fire rescue vehicles.
"Achieving these milestones was a collaborative endeavor, made possible through the support of our city council, the backing of our community, and the tireless dedication of Tampa Fire Rescue's personnel," added Castor. "These new vehicles and all the additions to our fire department symbolize our pledge to not just keep pace with our city's growth, but to anticipate and prepare for the future, ensuring Tampa is always ready to meet any challenge head-on."
