Shutting Off Engines To Save Money

Alabama Mobile High gas prices are affecting employees who drive vehicles for the city of Mobile. Mobile Fire-Rescue and the police department are finding ways to save on fuel.

by Kesshia Peyton

Published: Wed, May 07, 2008 - 4:00 pm CST

High gas prices are affecting employees who drive vehicles for the city of Mobile.
Mobile Fire-Rescue and the police department are finding ways to save on fuel.
Fire officials say in a year's time, their department spends about $400,000.
Over the past couple of weeks when fire fighters respond to non-emergencies, they're cutting off their engines, lights and sirens.
They're also checking tire pressure daily to make sure the trucks are getting the maximum mileage per gallon.
"Our goal is to save ten gallons a day in diesel fuel. Ninety percent of our fleet is diesel engines. So if we can save ten gallons a day, that's 300 gallons a month, that's 3600 gallons a year," said Mobile Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Rick Brannon.
There are 24 fire trucks that operate within the city of mobile and 8 ambulances.
It will take a couple of months to see if the new changes actually save the city any money.

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justme Says:

Wed, May 07, 2008 at 6:42 pm

Now you can go to utility companies, city dept’s, etc. and get them to promote their employee to follow the example we all see of the their slakers who park behind shopping centers, under trees taking naps, getting their groceries, laundry, etc. on company time, need I go on.

BamaBob Says:

Wed, May 07, 2008 at 5:31 pm

A friend of mine asked them why the whole crew would take the truck to get groceries and they said they had to be ready in case they got a call while at the store. Sounds like they could manage personnel and equipment a little better to me.

rmseek1234 Says:

Wed, May 07, 2008 at 5:26 pm

That’s funny BamaBob! But seriously, while I think we all need to find ways to save money and gas/diesel, I am a little concerned about them shutting the engines down, especially for the police department and medics. If an officer is on a call, and things go bad or a suspect runs, they need to be able get in that car and go-fast, not after a few second delay to restart it and then go. Another point, not all the police cars are in the greatest of shape. I know my husbands car has to be jumped off after it sits for a few days off.

Same with the medics. If it is a critical situation, they need to be able to load and run. Seconds can count. Maybe they should shut them down when they are inside Subway for lunch. That is one thing that has always concerned me, to see a deputy or other law enforcement car or medic truck running, unattended. How easy it would be to jump in it and go, if someone had a mind to.

BamaBob Says:

Wed, May 07, 2008 at 4:59 pm

Wouldn’t it help save a little gas if they could send one guy to get groceries in a small car instead of sending a maned fire truck?