The Athens-Clarke County Fire Department (ACCFD) will officially place into service Rescue 4 on 10/24/25. Rescue 4 is a custom-built heavy rescue vehicle designed to strengthen the department’s technical rescue and emergency response operations across the community.

Approved by the Mayor and Commission through the county’s Apparatus Replacement Plan, Rescue 4 represents a major investment in public safety and the future readiness of the Fire Department.

“Rescue 4 is a testament to our continued commitment to protecting the residents and visitors of Athens-Clarke County,” said Fire Chief Nate Moss. “This vehicle provides our firefighters with the most advanced equipment available to respond to complex rescue situations quickly and effectively.”

Constructed by E-One, Rescue 4 features a heavy-duty Typhoon chassis and carries specialized equipment for technical rescue, vehicle extrication, trench and confined-space operations, high-angle rescues, and structural collapse incidents. The apparatus is also outfitted with medical and firefighter-rehabilitation gear to support prolonged emergency scenes.

“This new unit enhances our ability to respond to high-risk incidents both within Athens-Clarke County and throughout the region,” said Captain, Aaron Claas. “Having these capabilities in our County saves critical time when every second counts.”

Rescue 4 comes fully stocked with durable, mission-ready tools that ensure reliability during demanding rescue operations. The vehicle replaces two older rescue apparatus that had served the community for decades.

As one of the most capable heavy rescue units in Northeast Georgia, Rescue 4 will also be available for mutual-aid responses, supporting neighboring departments during large-scale emergencies.

“Every addition to our fleet is an investment in the safety and well-being of the citizens we serve,” Chief Moss added. “We appreciate the continued support of the Mayor and Commission and the trust of our community.”

A traditional push-in ceremony will take place on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Fire Station #4, located at 900 Oglethorpe Avenue. The public is invited to attend. For more information about the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department and its ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, visit www.accgov.com/fire or follow @accfire on social media.