Rowlett — The City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to sign a letter of approval for First Rescue LLC as part of the company's application with the Texas Department of State Health Services to operate non‑9‑1‑1 inter‑facility transport ambulance services in Rowlett.
Chief Gauthier presented background, explaining the requirement in chapter 773 of the Texas Health and Safety Code that the city provide a local letter as part of the state licensing process. "Really the intent of the code is to ensure that when they license a provider in an area, it doesn't have an adverse impact on the existing providers that are already there," Chief Gauthier said.
First Rescue representatives said the company plans a conservative rollout based in Rockwall with one truck and two crew members, serving scheduled inter‑facility transfers and discharges for hospitals, assisted‑living and nursing facilities. Company representatives said they do not intend to run emergency 9‑1‑1 ambulance services within Rowlett. "We have no intent to run emergency 911 services in the city of Rowlett," a First Rescue representative said.
Council members asked whether the approval affects existing mutual‑aid agreements; Chief Gauthier said it does not and that existing mutual‑aid arrangements with neighboring cities remain in place. Council asked whether the approval imposes any cost on the city; the applicant and chief confirmed the letter is a formality for state licensure and will impose no cost on taxpayers.
A motion by Councilman Reeves, seconded by Councilmember Bridal, carried unanimously to approve the resolution and authorize the city manager to execute the letter of approval required by Texas Health and Safety Code section 773.0573.