Westbrook Fire Department pursues licensure to run town ambulance service

The Westbrook Fire Department is moving to obtain licensure to operate ambulance services for the town, according to the board’s March 19 meeting minutes. Officers have been researching acquisition options for a new ambulance, with an estimated purchase price of about $500,000 and a projected timeline that places procurement no sooner than one year before acquisition.

Board context: The Board of Fire Commissioners recorded that it is prepared to work with WFD leadership “to assist them as needed” during the transition and to provide oversight once ambulance services are in place. The minutes indicate a cooperative tone but do not record a formal vote to change service delivery on the night of March 19.

What the plan would change: If WFD obtains licensure and takes over ambulance operations, the department would assume responsibility for emergency medical transport that the town currently contracts or otherwise arranges. The minutes do not specify current vendor arrangements, staffing plans, reimbursement rates or a firm timetable for licensure steps.

Costs and procurement: Officers reported an estimated vehicle cost of about $500,000. The minutes state only that procurement planning is under way and that purchase timing is expected to be at least a year out; no purchase order, funding source or appropriation was recorded in the minutes.

Next steps: The board’s minutes note continued officer research and expressed willingness by commissioners to collaborate with WFD leadership on oversight. No formal license application or procurement resolution is recorded in the March 19 minutes.