VANDALIA — In response to a surge in emergency call volumes and growing demands for medical services, the Vandalia Division of Fire is set to launch its new “Squad Program.”
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The program is aimed at enhancing efficiency and extending the lifespan of its ladder trucks and fire engines.
Usually, full-sized engines and ladder trucks respond to calls. Under the new program, smaller, more agile first-responder units will respond to non-critical medical calls.
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The fire division said it hopes this will keep engines and ladder trucks available for fires, rescues, major accidents, and other high-acuity emergencies where they are truly needed.
“This program is a bold and necessary step forward,” said Chief Follick at a recent community meeting. “With call volume rising, we must adapt. Our Squad Program ensures we deliver top-tier value-added service, preserve our apparatus, and operate responsibly with taxpayer dollars. Most importantly, it strengthens our ability to protect our community today and in the future.”
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