By Kirk Brown
Anderson Independent Mail
ANDERSON, S.C. — The sharp drop in gas prices has resulted in big savings for law enforcement agencies, fire departments and the state’s largest ambulance company, officials said Thursday.
Gas prices have plunged at least $1.25 per gallon throughout South Carolina in recent months. Gas was selling for less than $1.70 per gallon at 18 stations in the Anderson area on Thursday, according to gasbuddy.com.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office has seen its fuel expenses fall by more than $46,000 since September compared to the same period last year. Sheriff’s officials allocate about $1.1 million annually to cover fuel expenses for a fleet of more than 280 vehicles.
“It is real welcome news that fuel prices are down and we hope they stay down,” Sheriff John Skipper said.
Skipper said his office will use the savings in its fuel budget to help pay for purchasing and repairing its vehicles.
Anderson County Fire Chief Jimmy Sutherland also has noticed savings from lower fuel prices.
“It has been a lot better,” he said.
Sutherland said he doesn’t know how much his department has saved overall because each of the county’s fire stations has its own fuel budget.
Medshore Ambulance Service, which is South Carolina’s largest ambulance company, has saved more than $18,000 on fuel in just the past month, said the company’s chief executive officer, Greg Shore.
Shore said his company has 110 vehicles, including 84 ambulances.
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©2015 the Anderson Independent Mail (Anderson, S.C.)