The is a replacement for old Ambulance 603: a 1998 Ford E-450 Type III ambulance. with about 56,000 miles, used as the trade-in. The usual life of an ambulance is five to ten years.

It took about two years to spec out this unit. The new ambulance was ordered in December 2009, delivered August 2010 and operational in September 2010.

The new 603 is a similar rig with some newer features to include:
• Higher inside -- can stand up.
• Handles inside are anti- microbial.
• UV lamp inside a venting fan.
• Airbag in patient area.
• All LED lights inside and out.
• Power call siren.
• Back-up camera.
• Built in navigation (GPS).
• Conforms to current state standards.

Capital ordinance was adopted May 12, 2009 in the amount of $175,000.00. $80,000.00 was a grant from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, $15,000.00 was from available funds for down payment and $80,000.00 was authorized to be borrowed.

The unit was purchased from VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists, Berlin, New Jersey with a bid of $180,945.82, less $17,000.00 trade in allowance, for a net cost of $163,945.82.

There will be additional costs for the purchase of radios and equipment in the approximate cost of $7,500.00.