Bridgeport explores options for new or retrofitted ambulance

Ken Krugel addresses the Nov. 20 city council.

MIKE MALTAIS/WARD MEDIA

BRIDGEPORT – The city needs a new box for its EMS ambulance, and like all major equipment upgrades, one does not come cheap. The city council took up the issue at its regular monthly meeting last Wednesday, Nov. 20.

The ambulance chassis is holding up, but the nearly two-decades-old box is long overdue for replacement with a newer version that features all the advances in EMS technology that can spell the difference between life and death for a patient.

City clerk Judy Brown advised council that she found an outlet for a federal grant application for an EMS ambulance. Maupr Sergio Orozco said the city is researching two options, purchasing a new ambulance through a grant, or finding the funding to retrofit the existing box to bring it up to current standards.

Orozco said upgrading the existing box alone costs $250,000 or more because it needs to be sent off for retrofitting for six to eight months.

“I talked to (Douglas County Undersheriff) Tyler Caille who has committed to be at our next council meeting with their brand new ambulance so we can see the difference,” Brown said.

Fairview Avenue resident Ken Krugel opened the public comment by thanking the city for scheduling the chipper days where residents can bring their brush and tree branches for processing. Residents pay $6 a month on their utility bills for the chipping service.”

“It sets a date for me, and it holds me to it,” said Krugel, who added his appreciation for the city’s public works staff “who are really great to work with.”

Krugel said he also was speaking on behalf of many citizens who are grateful to the council for approving a citywide fireworks ban that will take effect in October 2025.

“Given the situation our surrounding country has been in the past few years, I think it was the right decision,” said Krugel. “I commend the city for taking on something like that.”

The Bridgeport City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at city hall.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media