By Ken de la Bastide
The Herald Bulletin
ANDERSON, Ind. — The city of Anderson is expected to have a fourth ambulance operated by the Fire Department this fall.
Anderson Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr said Friday that the city will place the ambulance in service soon.
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“This new ambulance will allow for faster response time in emergencies and reduce the run load of our exceptional paramedics and EMTs, helping to reduce the stress and fatigue experienced by our ambulance crews who work constantly during a literal 24-hour shift,” Broderick said in a press release.
The city currently has three active ambulances available to provide the new service. The proposed budget also includes additional funds in 2026 to order a new ambulance.
Officials with the local union representing the firefighters have been urging a fourth ambulance in Anderson because of the increased workload.
“Obviously, we support the decision to add a fourth ambulance,” said Cody Leever, president of the union.
“This is a critical step toward addressing the increasing demands placed on our EMS system and the dedicated firefighters who respond around the clock,” he added. “The addition of a fourth ambulance will help ease the burden, improve emergency response, and enhance public safety for every citizen of Anderson.”
Leever previously said through the end of June, the city’s ambulances had responded to 8,000 calls for service this year.
In 2024, the fire department ambulances responded to an estimated 13,000 calls.
Broderick noted the number of ambulance runs has increased substantially over the last two to three years, with as many as 20 runs in a day for a single ambulance.
The city’s proposed 2026 budget includes funds to hire two new firefighters as requested by Fire Chief Dave Cravens, bringing the department to 114 firefighters.
“The chief has assured me this additional complement will allow for this addition,” Broderick said of the fourth ambulance.
The current ambulances are located at the department’s headquarters downtown, at 53rd Street, and at a station next to Jackson Park.
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