The Kenai Fire Department took delivery of two new ambulances over the weekend. The department celebrated the new apparatuses with a time-honored tradition by hosting a “push-in” ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 17. A crowd of community members and local dignitaries attended the ceremony to honor the acquisition and the work done to bring the new vehicles to Kenai.
KFD Chief Jay Teague said that recently retired Chief Tony Prior built and placed the order for the new ambulances nearly two years ago but that the units finally shipped from Seattle in July.
“These are the really nice apparatuses. Some of the features on here are just amazing,” said Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel. “It sort of aligns with, I think, the council’s philosophy, at least since I’ve been on council, and I know before, that is what we’re willing to put in for the public safety. And, this is just an example of what we’re willing to spend to make sure that we have what we need to serve our residents.”
The ambulances feature several advanced features designed to help EMTs deliver medical attention to patients under myriad unideal driving conditions including a hydraulic system that provides greater stability to the ambulance interior while driving, a structural design to prevent ice build-up around rear doors, and more.
Chief Teague shared what an encouragement for him it is to start the new position with the delivery of such luxurious EMS equipment. “It’s a long process nowadays to get any new type of equipment or apparatus for a fire department. [It’s] a huge blessing, you know, to come in as a new chief, and we already have two brand new rigs that these guys work so hard to acquire. It allows me to shift my focus and try to pick up that torch and look at what do we need to work on getting replaced next.”
As the new fire chief in Kenai, Teague brings a wealth of experience, including five years directing emergency management and 24 years as a flight medic and firefighter for the Department of Defense.
The ceremony on Saturday officially christened the new ambulances for service in the Kenai area.
