Roswell Fire Department unveils plan for city-operated ambulance service

The City of Roswell is taking significant steps toward enhancing its emergency services, as discussed in the recent city council meeting on July 10, 2025. A key highlight was the proposal for the Roswell Fire Department to establish its own ambulance service, a move aimed at improving local emergency response capabilities and reducing reliance on private ambulance providers.

Fire Chief Bunch presented a comprehensive plan detailing the transition to a city-operated ambulance service. The proposal comes in response to substantial increases in costs from the current provider, AMR, which sought a staggering 1,500% hike in its annual stipend. The fire department's plan includes the procurement of ambulances and necessary equipment, with a current fund of $8.26 million earmarked for this initiative.

The proposed service will feature a fleet of eight ambulances, with staffing that includes paramedics and EMTs, ensuring that fire department resources are not diverted from their primary duties. The plan outlines a phased implementation, with the goal of achieving self-sustainability within three to four years. This transition is expected to not only enhance service delivery but also provide a more cost-effective solution for the community.

Council members expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to significantly benefit public safety in Roswell. The council is set to review the proposal further in upcoming meetings, with the aim of moving forward swiftly to establish the ambulance service.

In addition to the ambulance service discussion, the meeting also touched on professional development for local law enforcement, with plans for officers to attend advanced leadership training and digital forensics programs. These initiatives are designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of the police force, ultimately benefiting the community through improved law enforcement practices.

As Roswell moves forward with these initiatives, the city is poised to strengthen its emergency response framework and ensure that residents receive timely and effective medical assistance when needed.