MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Some area first responders are enjoying that new vehicle smell. Both Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) and Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) rolled out new, state-of-the-art vehicles in the last week.
Marion County Fire Rescue
Let’s hope you never need a ride in Marion County’s new critical care transport truck. If you do, it means you’re in bad shape. But, you may be comforted know it’s equipped with specialized life-saving medical tools and technology.
MCFR says the truck is called Critical Care #1, and it specializes in handling patients in critical condition and in need of advanced care and constant monitoring while on their way to the hospital. The department took delivery of it last Tuesday.
“Thank you to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners for constantly prioritizing public safety. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support. Thank you to both the board and the citizens and visitors of Marion County, Florida, for entrusting Marion County Fire Rescue with your care,” said Marion County Fire Chief James Banta in a Facebook post.
Banta says thanks to a partnership with HCA Florida, the medical team is now better prepared to provide top-notch care even on the road.
Ocala Fire Rescue
Meantime in Ocala, a state-of-the-art firefighting apparatus has been added to OFR’s fleet.
Ladder 3 officially went into service last Wednesday.
It seems like it’s the Swiss Army knife of fire trucks. OFR calls it a comprehensive firefighting solution that is equipped with five main tools for effective firefighting: a pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial device, and ground ladders.
The department says these features significantly enhance OFR’s capabilities across a wide spectrum of emergency scenarios, from high-rise fires to complex rescue operations.
OFR says the purchase was made possible through the penny sales tax.
Ladder 3 will be assigned to OFR’s Station 3, located at 320 NE 8th Ave.
