EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Starting in July 2026, Evansville’s ambulances will be coming from fire stations instead of a private provider.
Mayor Stephanie Terry and Evansville Fire Department Chief Tony Knight announced on May 6 that the city will end its longstanding contract with AMR and transition to a city-run EMS system operated by EFD. The move will not affect Vanderburgh County’s separate contract with AMR, the Courier & Press reported.
The city will allocate $7 million from its casino capital improvement fund to support the transition, according to the Courier & Press. That investment will go toward purchasing ambulances and equipment, hiring paramedics and preparing EFD to assume full responsibility for emergency medical services within city limits by July 1, 2026.
Terry said the shift is part of a broader modernization plan.
“This is part of a broader effort for us to modernize city services. It also ensure public safety is really better integrated and adaptable in terms of working with other public safety officials,” Terry said. “Also, it allows EFD to build upon its current strengths.
EFD will operate the new service under a pay-for-service model, with revenue coming from insurance providers, Medicare, Medicaid and private payers. Knight said the city expects the service to become self-sustaining within 4 years and eventually generate a surplus.
“By 2028, we project an annual surplus of $3.5 million,” Knight said. “That’s revenue that can relieve pressure on the city’s general fund, freeing up dollars for investments in roads, housing, parks and other vital services.”
Knight said ambulance transport costs under the new model are expected to be about 20% less than current rates.
City officials have been considering the change for about a year, weighing the financial impact and the department’s capacity to provide EMS.
All 14 fire stations will house ambulances and remain integrated with Central Dispatch. Knight said the department will begin hiring for 47 positions and hopes current AMR employees will consider applying.
Knight said EFD will continue to work with AMR throughout the transition.
The Courier & Press reported that AMR has not yet commented on the change.
