The Ripon Consolidated Fire District just added a new ambulance.

This was made possible by the concerted effort orchestrated by San Joaquin County Board of Supervisor Robert Rickman.

He helped secure the funding for the emergency vehicle.

“Last year, I worked closely with Ripon Fire Chief (Dennis) Bitters and Ripon Fire Board Chairperson Sheri Coburn to identify equipment and resources for our firefighters,” he said via social media.

The answer to that was a new ambulance.

From there, Rickman forwarded the request to the Board of Supervisors – the funding was approved and awarded through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds as part of the American Rescue Plan.

“I’m proud to have worked with the Ripon Fire District to make this new ambulance a reality for the Ripon and surrounding communities,” he added. “Safety of our residents is always the top priority.”

A special event was held on June 22 at Ripon Fire Station to dedicate the new vehicle and recognize those involved in this endeavor.

“Thanks to everyone that attended our ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new Medic-61,” said the Ripon Consolidated Fire District on Facebook.

Bitters welcomed those in attendance.

Included were Rickman, Coburn, Mayor Michael Restuccia, Vice Mayor Leo Zuber, Councilman Daniel de Graff, and City of Ripon staff and fire / ambulance crew, to name a few.