SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rural/Metro Corporation (BULLETIN BOARD: RURL) , in partnership with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, announced today that it has won unanimous approval from the San Diego City Council to extend its contract as the exclusive provider of emergency medical transportation services.
The Council voted Monday to extend the contract with San Diego Medical Services Enterprise, L.L.C. (SDMSE), a partnership formed in 1997 between the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and Rural/Metro Corporation. The three-year renewal term begins July 1, 2005.
Jack Brucker, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our investment in the community extends beyond our unique business model. Our San Diego partnership is built on a mutual desire to provide the highest-quality EMS services possible to the citizens who live and work in this growing community. We are very proud of our long-standing record of exceptional service and believe the area offers significant potential for future growth."
San Diego Medical Services Enterprise (SDMSE) is the nation's first public-private partnership, providing innovative and quality 911 paramedic and medical transportation services under an LLC formed in 1997. Since the partnership began, SDMSE's emergency medical professionals have responded to more than 400,000 calls for assistance, averaging approximately 200 medical calls per day.
Boo Heffner, President of Rural/Metro's West Emergency Services Group, added, "We are pleased to continue serving the citizens of San Diego and to further strengthen our partnership with the City. We appreciate the continuing support we have received from the City, the Fire Department, and the professional firefighters we work with every day and look forward to building on our record of service excellence."
Rural/Metro Corporation provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation, fire protection, and other safety services in 23 states and more than 400 communities throughout the United States. For more information, visit the company's web site at http://www.ruralmetro.com/.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the company's ability to collect its accounts receivable; competitors' actions; litigation and regulatory matters; and the company's ability to sustain operating cash flow, secure new contracts, retain existing contracts, and improve earnings and operating margins. Additional factors that could affect the company are described in its Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2004 under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section, and other factors as described from time to time in the company's SEC filings. The company disclaims any obligation to update its forward-looking statements.
CONTACT: Liz Merritt, Rural/Metro Corporation (480) 606-3337 Financial Dynamics, Investor Relations Jim Byers (Investors) (415) 439-4504
Rural/Metro CorporationCONTACT: Liz Merritt of Rural/Metro Corporation, +1-480-606-3337; orinvestors, Jim Byers of Financial Dynamics, Investor Relations,+1-415-439-4504, for Rural/Metro Corporation
Web site: http://www.ruralmetro.com/