Evansville Fire Department to Take Over Emergency Ambulance Services

In a strategic effort to coordinate emergency response and create long-term fiscal sustainability, the City of Evansville has announced that the Evansville Fire Department (EFD) will assume full responsibility for ambulance services within city limits.

The target date for the changeover is July 1, 2026.

This transition follows the City’s notification to its current provider of ambulance services, AMR, of its intention to bring that role internal. By bringing this service in-house, city officials anticipate quicker response times, more affordable rates for users, and significant operational efficiencies.

“Evansville is moving forward—and that means delivering smarter, faster, and more affordable services for our residents,” said Mayor Stephanie Terry. “This transition not only enhances our public safety infrastructure, it also creates a reliable source of revenue that can be reinvested in our fire department and help offset future budget pressures created by recent statewide property tax caps.”

Currently, EFD’s 14 stations are fully integrated with Central Dispatch and are strategically located throughout the city – positioning the department to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively. Forecasts project that ambulance rates will decrease by approximately 20%, while the department moves toward cost recovery and profitability.

Mayor Terry also expressed gratitude for the long-standing emergency service partnerships in the community: “We are thankful for the service provided by AMR under our current system, and for the professionals who have supported our residents in times of need. As we take this next step, our focus is on building a system that is even more responsive to the evolving needs of Evansville.”

The Evansville Fire Department will now begin procurement of necessary ambulances and equipment, with the support of the Board of Public Safety and Evansville City Council. Approximately $7 million in initial investment will be required to launch the service.

Fire Chief Tony Knight estimates the service will become self-sustaining within four years.

“By 2028, we project an annual surplus of $3.5 million,” Chief Knight said. “That’s revenue that can relieve pressure on the city’s general fund, freeing up dollars for investments in roads, housing, parks, and other vital services.”

This initiative aligns with Mayor Terry’s priority to strengthen public safety while modernizing local government operations to better serve Evansville residents.