St. Augustine Fire Department debuts special use ATV

In January of this year Historic City News announced that the St. Augustine Fire Department received approval of grants totaling $26,889.80 from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to cover 100 percent of the cost to purchase a new, specially equipped, all-terrain vehicle.  Today, that vehicle makes its debut.

This vehicle is turn-key ready and comes equipped with everything from a skid unit with a 50-gallon water tank, a pump, hose reel, patient stretcher, decals, lights and storage compartments. Firefighters have already completed a training certification course in order to operate the vehicle.

“The department prides itself on always looking for ways to enhance and improve the service it provides to our residents and visitors,” St. Augustine Fire Chief Carlos Aviles said.  “Thanks to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, this was accomplished with no financial contributions from taxpayers in the City of St. Augustine.”

City Fire Department

In the world of emergency services, local fire departments constantly seek alternative ways to overcome challenges and enhance their service to the community, and it is no different for the St. Augustine Fire Department.

“Increased demand during large events with increased volumes of crowds and gridlocked traffic, are the times we find ourselves at our most vulnerable,” Aviles commented.  “It’s always great to add a versatile new tool to our community’s tool box.”

Chief Carlos Aviles

The St. Augustine Fire Department works tirelessly to improve readiness and decrease response times during these situations, and after evaluating industry best practices to combat these issues, the department determined that an ATV with firefighting and EMS capabilities was the best alternative to navigating crowds and traffic while simultaneously decreasing response times.

About Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation

In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, lifesaving equipment, and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted more than $35 million to hometown heroes in 47 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $5.5 million in Florida.