Evansville Fire Department to assume control of city’s ambulance services
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Starting next year, ambulance services within the city of Evansville will come under the purview of the Evansville Fire Department.
The city announced this week that the move is part an effort to coordinate emergency response and create long-term fiscal sustainability. Officials anticipate the move creating quicker response times, more affordable rates for users, and “significant operational efficiencies.”
“Evansville is moving forward—and that means delivering smarter, faster, and more affordable services for our residents,” Mayor Stephanie Terry said in a news release. “This transition not only enhances our public safety infrastructure, it also creates a reliable source of revenue that can be reinvested in our fire department and help offset future budget pressures created by recent statewide property tax caps.”
Evansville’s ambulance services are currently provided by Colorado-based contractor AMR, which also provides services for Vanderburgh County. Evansville Fire Chief Tony Knight told Inside INdiana Business that his department is only assuming the city contract and plans to employ 47 full-time staff in its new EMS Division.
Additionally, Evansville/Vanderburgh County Central Dispatch will assume all dispatching for city EMS and is currently looking to fill eight positions.
“This change should not net a positive or negative employment change,” Knight said. “AMR employees that wish to work for the fire department EMS may pursue that avenue. AMR dispatchers that wish to work for Evansville/Vanderburgh Central Dispatch may pursue that avenue. Those wishing to stay with AMR for the county and private contracts may do so.”
The city anticipates an initial $7 million investment to launch the new service, including the procurement of ambulances and equipment. Knight said he estimates the service will become self-sustaining in four years.
“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.”
The transition will go into effect July 1, 2026.