County approves ARPA memorandum to buy ambulance for Central Fire District

Jefferson County commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with the Central Fire District to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase an ambulance. County staff and the county attorney reviewed the MOU before it reached the board, and commissioners moved, seconded and carried the measure by roll call.

Central Fire District representative Nick White described call‑volume increases and said additional apparatus would improve reliability and response capacity. White said the district expects to convert a command vehicle into a paramedic “chase” vehicle and recruit part‑time paramedics to provide advanced life support when needed. He said the district plans to obtain a vehicle currently staged in Dubois and expects to have four ambulances available, with at least two immediately reliable units and one used as a backup or training prop.

The MOU language was reviewed by county legal staff; commissioners approved the agreement and the use of ARPA funds at the meeting. No specific timeline for delivery beyond staff comments was included in the memorandum presented at the meeting. White said the district hopes to take possession of a unit within a few weeks, subject to decal and equipment changes.