LTC 567-2024 DEPARTMENT ACQUISITION OF HIGH-WATER VEHICLESDocusign Envelope ID:47F85CBF-13A2-496E-A59E-5A4D9A3303E1
MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC #567-2024 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
0,0,,a.4.FROM:Eric Carpenter,City Manager UP""Ut--
DATE:December 26,2024
SUBJECT:FIR E DEPA R TM EN T ACQ UISIT IO N O F HIG H-W ATER VEHIC LES
The purpose of this L TC is to announce the addition of two high-water rescue vehicles to the
City's Fire Department fleet.
Miami Beach Fire Rescue recently acquired two new multi-use high water/flood response rescue
vehicles.These multi-use vehicles enhance public safety during special events attended by large
crowds,as they allow rapid access and evacuation transport for trapped victims.The two assets
can also be deployed with public safety teams providing mutual aid to other jurisdictions in the
State of Florida requesting assistance after disasters.
Recent events have shown that there is a need for continued natural disaster preparedness and
novel methods of assisting rescues and evacuations in emergencies like the flash flood that
occurred in the City in June 2024.Each vehicle,Ford F250s with crew cabs and extended beds,
cost $70,000.00,including the emergency vehicle lighting package,branding graphics and the
factory upgrades that include the following specifications:
•Six-inch (6")factory-lifted chassis.
•35"diameter wheels.
o These features provide the vehicles with an under-chassis clearance of three to
four feet,enabling them to traverse flooded areas.
•Transport skids,which allow the possibility to tow a jonboat behind each vehicle,adding
to evacuation capacity.
o Each bed can accommodate up to ten people,with some additional room for
animal companions,if necessary.
•4-wheel drive also allows the vehicles to maneuver off-road surfaces,such as beach
sand.
The acquisition was made possible under Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)funding because
of the vehicles'capabilities in rapid response and evacuation should there be attacks or other
threats to homeland security.The Fire Department took possession of the two completely outfitted
vehicles on November 4,2024.Additional UASI funding,yet to be allocated,will cover an additional
two hi-water/flood rescue vehicles for the Fire and Police Departments,that have additional seating
capacity.Receipt of these additional vehicles is expected in late 2025.
C:Executive Staff;MBFD Fire Chiefs;MBPD Command Staff;Grants Management Division
EC/DA/JRM/SHL