By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
Essex County Council gave pre-budget approval for Essex-Windsor EMS (EWEMS) to purchase seven Crestline Coach Ltd. Type III ambulances, scheduled for replacement in 2026 in accordance with the Vehicle Asset Management Plan.
The total purchase price is $2,033,066, and includes chassis, conversion options, five-year extended warranty, and shipping. The chassis configuration for the 2026 model will be identical to those purchased in 2025.
The delivery of vehicles is anticipated to be in the third to fourth quarter of 2026.
The 2026 quotation is 7.75% higher than the 2025 purchase price and is attributed to the GM chassis increase, component supply chain increases, and inflation, the report to Council notes.
The cost of this pre-budget request will be funded through the EMS Equipment and Vehicle Reserve.
EWEMS recommended pre-budget approval to secure the required vehicles. It has vehicles in the queue for 2024 – expected to arrive next month – and 2025 – scheduled for delivery in the fourth-quarter of next year – with Crestline, Ziad Fatallah, Deputy Chief and Planning and Physical Resources, noted.
“This proactive approach will ensure we stay on track with the scheduled replacement of our fleet vehicles,” Fatallah told County Council.
Essex-Windsor EMS currently has a fleet of 41 ambulances, Fatallah noted. Any delay in securing chassis and material may result in ambulances not being in service for the 2026 fiscal year, thereby increasing vehicle repairs and maintenance, the report adds.
EWEMS will appear before Essex County Council in late 2025 for 2027 pre-budget approval to secure vehicles, as well.