As emergency response demands continue to rise, the Shreveport Fire Department is taking a strategic approach to maintaining fleet readiness and fiscal responsibility by choosing to remount and re-chassis its ambulances instead of purchasing new units. This decision, rooted in both operational and financial benefits, reflects a growing trend among fire and EMS departments nationwide.
Chief of Maintenance Tray Watson highlighted the department’s longstanding partnership with BFA of LA, stating, “After the purchases of new medics in 2013, we have entrusted BFA with the remounting of our Medic units, and they responded promptly and professionally. Their commitment to excellence has resulted in a high-quality product that will serve the citizens of Shreveport reliably for years to come.”
The most recent order includes the remount of three ambulances, each receiving a full range of upgrades. These units are being upgraded from the ground up to extend their service life, enhance performance, and provide greater comfort and functionality for crews in the field.
- Mounted on a new Dodge chassis
- Removed original body, repaired and repainted
- Installed new interior floors and walls
- Added custom interior compartment
- New upholstery throughout
- Upgraded interior and exterior lighting
- Buckstop bumper added
- New custom graphics package
- LiquidSpring suspension upgrade
Faster Turnaround, Less Downtime
One of the key factors influencing the decision is turnaround time. While building a new ambulance from the ground up can result in extended delays and downtime, remounted units are typically completed in just 120 to 150 days. This faster process minimizes disruptions to emergency services and ensures critical units return to the field more quickly.
Additionally, remounted ambulances are often enhanced with upgraded air conditioning systems and state-of-the-art LED lighting, improving both crew comfort and operational efficiency.
Significant Cost Savings
Budget constraints are a reality for most municipalities, and Shreveport is no exception. New ambulance builds can cost nearly twice as much as remounted units. By choosing to remount, the department can stretch taxpayer dollars further without sacrificing performance or safety—making remounts a fiscally responsible solution.
Consistency Across the Fleet
Operational consistency is another driving factor. With personnel frequently rotating between units—sometimes daily—standardizing vehicle layouts and equipment placement is critical. Remounting allows the department to maintain uniformity across the fleet, enabling first responders to perform seamlessly and efficiently, regardless of which vehicle they operate.
A Sustainable Strategy for the Future
The Shreveport Fire Department’s decision to reinvest in its existing fleet through remounting not only reflects a smart financial move but also a commitment to sustainability, resource optimization, and uninterrupted public service.
As departments across the country face similar challenges, Shreveport’s model stands as a strong example of how innovation and practicality can go hand in hand to support both community needs and long-term fleet readiness.
