(BROWNSVILLE, Texas August 28, 2019) – The City of Brownsville announces the addition of three all-terrain special response units to the Brownsville Fire Department. The units were purchased through a $170,933.43 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.  

The CDBG program is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs.

The all-terrain special response units will assist staff as they respond to medical emergencies in compromised areas where a full-size ambulance cannot enter.

The units will be strategically located at fire stations throughout the city to accommodate responses as they offer off-road rescue capabilities, enclosed patient compartment for privacy, full-size stretcher and an attendant bench seat for safe and comfortable transport.

“The Brownsville Fire Department is honored to apply the latest innovative technology to provide emergency medical response services to our community,” said Brownsville Fire Chief Jarrett Sheldon. “We would like to thank our Brownsville City Commission, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development for their continued support and the City of Brownsville staff for securing this grant for the benefit of our residents.”

The vehicles are the latest addition to the Brownsville Fire Department’s Special Operation Division which includes, a Hazardous Materials Response Team, Dive and Swift Water Rescue Team and the Unmanned Aerial Team.

The mission of the Fire Department is to protect the lives and property of the people of Brownsville from fires, natural disasters, and hazardous materials incidents; to save lives by providing emergency medical services; to prevent fires through prevention and education programs; and to provide a work environment that values cultural diversity and is free of harassment and discrimination.

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