Tampa Republic

Tampa Fire Rescue unveiled a significant milestone in the city's commitment to public safety on Monday: the roll out of eight new vehicles being added to its fleet. The three fire engines, three rescue vehicles, and two AmbuBuses are part of a comprehensive plan to upgrade emergency services.

"We are investing in and upgrading Tampa Fire Rescue more than this community has seen in multiple generations," said Mayor Jane Castor. "Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow includes transforming our Fire Department so that it meets the modern needs of our booming city."

Chief Barbara Tripp highlighted the impact of the upgrades on response times, stating, "By filling our stations with additional resources, we can decrease response times throughout the city."

Under Chief Tripp's leadership, more than 130 new Fire Rescue men and women have joined the department through nine hiring classes. Firefighters were recently granted an unprecedented 18-percent salary increase over three years.

Mayor Castor acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the initiative, stating, "Achieving these milestones was a collaborative endeavor, made possible through the support of our City Council, the backing of our community, and the tireless dedication of Tampa Fire Rescue's personnel."

The City of Tampa's Capital Improvement Plan has allocated significant funds for fire stations, facilities, and vehicles, totaling over $243 million. These investments aim to improve response times through new technology and vehicles.

"These new vehicles and all the additions to our fire department symbolize our pledge to not just keep pace with our city's growth, but to anticipate and prepare for the future, ensuring Tampa is always ready to meet any challenge head-on."