May 7, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Excursions Hit the Road for Fire Department

The Shreveport Fire Department recently added two newly purchased Ford Excursions sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to their line of emergency response vehicles. The new additions are the first time in quite awhile that the department has made a departure from their standard fare of Chevy Suburbans, traditionally used by fire line chiefs and supervisors for emergency response. According to Fire Maintenance Chief Henry Simons, the much larger vehicles were available at a savings over others in its class, $28 thousand each. The reduced cost and the added space that the vehicles provide made the purchase a practical and sensible choice, added Simons.

Since the new Excursions have hit the streets, both assigned to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) supervisors, one at Central Fire Station and the other at station #19 on Ellerbe Road, they are catching more than just the occasional glance. EMS Supervisor Tommy Adams said he’s been getting plenty of stares but adds that overall the response has been favorable. We like the fact that there are not a lot of these vehicles on the road and it kinda’ grows on you after awhile, said Adams. Captain Rex Shamburger came up with the eye-catching red, white, and gold design for the SUVs, modeled after the department’s transport medic units, and will be the first to admit that not everyone likes the bulky vehicles. Some have said it drives like a bus, says Shamburger. Adding, it just takes a little getting used to.

One thing is for sure, the powerful Excursions demand attention on the roadway and at emergency scenes. There is no question that they have a higher visibility factor because of their size and unique design. Additional 3M reflective tape was added to the vehicles, making them highly visible at night, adding to the safety and protection of firefighters at roadway accidents. This feature is particularly important since the department has in the past had some close calls with passing motorists at traffic emergencies. Nationally twenty-five percent of firefighters deaths are attributed to accidents on the way to or coming back from emergency scenes, making the added safety features a plus for the department. Additional equipment, such as radios, onboard computers, and emergency lights were added for $6 thousand dollar, bringing the total price for the vehicles $34 thousand. ###