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Fremont County reviews stolen ambulance incident, vehicle security and equipment use
Summary
County commissioners heard an update about a stolen Fremont County ambulance, discussed vehicle security features and whether ambulance crews followed procedures. The vehicle remains out of service pending police investigation and insurance review.
Fremont County commissioners on May 24 heard from ambulance staff about a stolen county ambulance and discussed vehicle security, crew training and responsibility for repair costs.
The update matters because the county retains custody of the ambulance fleet and could face repair or replacement costs while the sheriff’s investigation is open. Commissioners pressed staff about whether installed anti-theft equipment was used and who bears responsibility if crews do not follow procedures.
Jared, an EMS staff member, told the commission that an ambulance was taken after a bystander saw keys in the vehicle and the vehicle was driven off. “They just walked out and looked in and seen the keys and . . . jumped in and left,” Jared said during the meeting. Staff said the county-installed equipment that can prevent unauthorized vehicle movement can be bypassed and that not every ambulance has the factory plug-in device installed.
Commissioners discussed that the county “did their due diligence by installing this equipment,” but also raised questions about whether ambulance crews always follow the shutdown/locking procedures. The chair and other commissioners asked if training or additional safeguards were needed to reduce future theft risk. Staff said the vehicle cannot be accessed for bids or repairs until the criminal investigation is complete and that insurance will be pursued once the sheriff releases the vehicle.
No formal policy change or motion was adopted during the discussion. Commissioners directed staff to follow up with the sheriff’s office, confirm insurance coverage and return with recommended operational or training changes if needed. The county recorded that at least one vehicle remains out of service while investigators complete their work.
