For the first time in 20 years, South Zanesville Fire Department is operating a different type of siren out its firehouse.

It’s been about two decades since the South Zanesville Fire Department has owned and operated its own ambulance. There have been ongoing contracts with different ambulance services throughout the years to take on medical related calls for South Zanesville.

Upon Russell Taylor, Fire Chief of the South Zanesville Volunteer Fire Department, assuming his position three years ago, he made it one of his main goals to take back the ambulance operations.

The total cost of the ambulance plus the necessary equipment to operate it cost roughly $225,000.

The ambulance, Medic 1401, became operational the first day of August. In the first week, the ambulance and crew had already transported 10 people.

“It’s up and running already and taking care of our citizens,” Taylor, who heads a department of 28 volunteers, said.

The fire department averaged about 120 calls per year pertaining to fires and rescues when Taylor became chief. He brought first responder medical care back into his firehouse which caused call volume to increase by roughly 600 percent. Taylor attributes the significant increase in calls to medical calls in the community as much of the South Zanesville community is elderly people.

“We just wanted to give them the best quality service that they deserve,” Taylor said. “They’ve worked all their lives and retired and they need somebody to be there for them. So, that’s what we’re trying to do for them.”

Value Care, the contracted ambulance company for South Zanesville last year, responded to 400 to 500 South Zanesville calls just last year, Taylor said.

The department has already received roughly 550 calls this year and is projected to receive roughly 1,000 by the end of the year.

“It’s been a joy to serve our citizens and provide the service they need,” Taylor said. “All we can do is ask our community to support us as we strive to help them.”

The fire department in South Zanesville is entirely funded by taxpayers in the community. Taylor believes that the addition of the ambulance will save money in the future and allow the additional revenue to support a paid staff in the future.