GATLINBURG, Tenn.— The Gatlinburg Fire Department will be replacing existing vehicles in its fleet with a pair of new ambulances, which will soon be placed into service. Along with these new vehicles, the Department is introducing a new color scheme for all its ambulances, which will match the color scheme of its fire apparatuses.
The new color scheme will enhance the uniformity of the fleet that serves residents, visitors of Gatlinburg, in addition to the Department’s response areas in Sevier County and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
As one of only nine municipalities in Tennessee to provide ambulance services, the Gatlinburg Fire Department has transitioned to a striking red and black color scheme, replacing the previous white, blue, and orange design. This change aims to create a cohesive visual identity across the Department’s emergency vehicles.
“We are excited to introduce these new ambulances to our fleet. The new color scheme not only enhances the uniformity of our emergency vehicles, but also ensures greater visibility for the safety of our team and the public,” Gatlinburg Fire Chief Charlie Cole said. “More importantly, the advancements in these vehicles, including four-wheel drive and enhanced maneuverability for steep terrain, will help us better serve the citizens and visitors of Gatlinburg. Our goal is always to improve the quality of our emergency response, and these ambulances are a key part of that commitment.”
In addition to the new color scheme, these vehicles come equipped with a number of upgrades that will better serve the community.
The new ambulances, built on F550 truck chassis, are equipped with four-wheel drive, allowing them to navigate the rugged terrain of the Gatlinburg area more effectively. These vehicles are also specially designed to handle steep driveways, making patient loading and transportation smoother and more efficient.
In the 2023-24 Fiscal Year, the Gatlinburg Fire Department responded to 2,848 calls for service. This includes 692 calls in its Sevier County response area and 122 in the National Park. The total represents an 18.81% increase in calls compared to five years ago, reflecting the growing demand for emergency services in the region.
For the latest updates from the City of Gatlinburg, visit GatlinburgTN.gov or visit the City’s Social Media pages on Facebook and X.
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