Crime & Safety

Presidential Motorcade Ambulance and Others Under Investigation

One vehicle ran out of gas, two others caught fire in the past week.

DC Fire and and Emergency Medical Services's (FEMS) fleet of ambulances is drawing new scrutiny following three recent incidents, including one in which an ambulance dispatched to the presidential motorcade ran out of gas. Two others have reportedly caught fire this week. 

"It is completely unacceptable for a vehicle in service to ever run out of gasoline. Every morning, our crews are instructed to refuel and ensure their vehicle has a full tank. It is important that our employees are consistent to detail while performing their duties, because the goal of our mission is to keep everyone in the District safe," FEMS commented in prepared statement. 

Issues with the ambulance in the motorcade on Aug. 8 "were dealt with quickly and efficiently and there was no break in ambulance coverage for the motorcade,” according to George Ogilvie of the United States Secret Service.

Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe took to Fox 5 WTTG-TV Wednesday morning to discuss the investigation and issues with the fleet. 

"Most of the time — in fact the majority of the time — our units respond and our personnel do an outstanding job. The times that they don't, things don't go well, are the things that we're looking at," said Ellerbe during his interview with Fox 5.

Additionally, Ellerbe said he has been working hard "behind the scenes" to improve the quality of DC's fleet.

"It takes awhile to build a new ambulance fleet," said Ellerbe.

D.C. Firefighters Association Local 36, a member of the International Association of Firefighters AFL-CIO, has been outspoke in its criticism of Ellerbe.

"It has become clear that Chief Ellerbe is no longer capable of leading the department. It is time for the collective voice of the community to speak out, and address the mounting threat to the public's safety," Local 36 stated in a news release on their website.

Mayor Vincent Gray, who appointed Ellerbe, continues to stand by the chief. 

"We are in a critical period of change," said Ellerbe, who said he has the best interest of the city in mind.

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