The Athens-Clarke County Fire Department (ACCFD) is set to introduce Rescue 4, a new custom-built heavy rescue vehicle, into service on October 24, 2025. The vehicle was approved by the Mayor and Commission as part of the county’s Apparatus Replacement Plan.
Fire Chief Nate Moss described the significance of the new addition: “Rescue 4 is a testament to our continued commitment to protecting the residents and visitors of Athens-Clarke County. This vehicle provides our firefighters with the most advanced equipment available to respond to complex rescue situations quickly and effectively.”
Rescue 4 was constructed by E-One and is equipped with a heavy-duty Typhoon chassis. It includes specialized tools for technical rescues, vehicle extrication, trench and confined-space operations, high-angle rescues, and structural collapse incidents. The apparatus also has medical supplies and rehabilitation gear for use during extended emergencies.
Captain Aaron Claas commented on the operational benefits: “This new unit enhances our ability to respond to high-risk incidents both within Athens-Clarke County and throughout the region. Having these capabilities in our County saves critical time when every second counts.”
The new vehicle replaces two older rescue units that have served for several decades. Rescue 4 will also be available for mutual-aid responses, assisting neighboring departments during large-scale emergencies.
Chief Moss expressed gratitude for community support: “Every addition to our fleet is an investment in the safety and well-being of the citizens we serve. We appreciate the continued support of the Mayor and Commission and the trust of our community.”
A public push-in ceremony for Rescue 4 will take place at Fire Station #4 on October 24 at 2 p.m., located at 900 Oglethorpe Avenue. More information about ACCFD can be found at www.accgov.com/fire or through their social media channels.
