Round Rock approves $4.5 million for new emergency response vehicles

Round Rock City Council has committed 4.5 million dollars to improving emergency response equipment for the police and fire departments. The funding was approved during the Nov. 20 meeting and covers a new mobile command center along with several specialized fire vehicles.

More than 1.5 million dollars will go toward a new command unit for the Round Rock Police Department. The vehicle will include updated communication technology to support personnel during emergencies, large events and field operations.

The new unit replaces a command bus that has reached the end of its service life. The department was able to secure a 30,000 dollar trade in value for the older model, which was originally purchased through a grant. Police Chief Allen Banks said the department attempted to obtain similar grant funding for the new unit but was not successful. The updated command center is designed for a 25 to 30 year lifespan and can be upgraded over time.

The Round Rock Fire Department will receive funding for four vehicles totaling about 2.9 million dollars.

Approved purchases include:
• A mini pumper truck for 400,100 dollars. This smaller truck can navigate areas that larger engines cannot reach. Funding comes from a 2023 voter approved bond.
• An air truck costing 520,000 dollars to supply compressed breathing air and refill tanks. It will replace an existing air trailer and its tow vehicle.
• A Skeeter Rescue Side Brush Truck priced at 277,535 dollars. This unit is built for severe wildland conditions and replaces a 2011 brush truck.
• A new ladder truck valued at roughly 1.7 million dollars. The ladder provides aerial access for rescues, ventilation and work on multi story buildings. It replaces a 2009 model.

City officials say these investments will strengthen safety services and ensure crews have dependable equipment for both routine calls and major emergencies.

It is another steady step in keeping Round Rock’s emergency response ready for a growing community.