Fountain Valley fire chief pitches city‑run ambulance service; council approves participation in state VRRP funding

Battalion Chief Tim Saiki outlined a plan for a city‑operated ambulance program on June 17, telling the City Council Fountain Valley could move from the current public‑private model to operate two 24‑hour ambulances year‑round, house crews in fire stations and staff them with Fountain Valley ambulance operators. Saiki said the city would purchase four Type 3 ambulances (two active units and two reserves), add an EMS captain and administrative division chief, and cross‑staff reserve ambulances to reduce surge contracting costs.

Saiki described the existing contract with Falk (formerly Care Ambulance), in place for more than 25 years, as providing two dedicated ambulances to Fountain Valley (one 24‑hour, one 12‑hour). He said the current contract expires November 30, 2026, and that launching a city program would require significant start‑up capital — vehicle procurement, medical equipment, station upgrades and contingency — that staff estimated at almost $2.0 million. Saiki also showed a…