Fallon Ambulance wins four-year 9-1-1 contract extension from City of Quincy

Fallon Ambulance Service, the region's largest independent provider of ambulance services, has won a four-year extension of its 9-1-1 municipal contract with the City of Quincy.

The 64-year old, three-generation, family-run ambulance business was first awarded Quincy's 9-1-1 contract in 1997, when Fallon Ambulance was selected over the then provider, the national ambulance firm AMR (American Medical Response). Fallon Ambulance, which has always emphasized its strong community commitment, was awarded an initial three-year contract in 1997. Following contract negotiations this year, the new contract extends Fallon's tenure as 9-1-1 provider for the City of Quincy through 2004.

Fallon's first contract was for a three-year period. This renewal extends the contract with the City of Quincy through 2004.

Under the provisions of the contract, Fallon Ambulance Service will continue to be responsible for all 911 responses for the city and will work closely with the Quincy Medical Center.

Fallon Ambulance Service will maintain its Quincy.

Peter Racicot, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Fallon Ambulance, estimates that the contract with Quincy will mean between 15 and 30 ambulance runs per day. Under the agreement, the ambulance company is required to provide an additional three vehicles, two offering Advanced Life Support (ALS) and one with Basic Life Support (BLS). Racicot said that his company will exceed that number, and increase its ambulance fleet, currently at 64, by between 7 and 10 vehicles. Additionally, the company expects to increase its staffing by between 20 and 40 employees; and the firm will add a Quincy office. Fallon currently provides 9-1-1 service for Milton and backup service for Randolph and Boston.

Of the Quincy contact, Racicot said, "We are absolutely delighted. Quincy is a great city, the people are great, and this is a great opportunity for us, personally and professionally."

He added, "This win provides additional strength for us on the South Shore and greater Boston, and shows that sometimes the small, independent businesses can truly compete effectively against the corporate giants. Our challenge in the marketplace has been proving that bigger is not always better."

Racicot remembers a time when greater Boston had between ten and fifteen small, independent ambulance companies. As the trend towards consolidation began, Fallon Ambulance sought to carve out a marketplace niche that would enable them to remain viable while retaining their independence.

"To simplify it, our strategy was to emphasize personal service," he said. "We knew that we did not want to become a company that grew beyond its means." Racicot said that the company will launch a number of additional community programs to benefit residents. Long known for its community outreach programs, Fallon Ambulance has entered into a partnership with the Charles A. Bernazzani Elementary School in Quincy, where the ambulance company works with students at that school to help them learn more about the world of business and work. Fallon provides ambulance tours, instruction in emergency medical care such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), participation in health fairs, and field trips to ambulance headquarters.

Fallon Ambulance participates in a number of outreach programs, including the QUILL (Quincy Independent Living and Learning) program, a nonprofit organization that assists adults with developmental disabilities. Additionally, the company provides free airport-to-hospital transportation for children who have been flown to Boston for medical treatment under the American Airlines "Miles for Kids" program; and this year launched a "Night Safety" program in conjunction with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week.

Fallon Ambulance provides a number of outreach services that include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for police and fire departments, and EMT training for the Milton Police Department's cadets. Racicot said that his company will explore launching a number of programs specifically for Quincy. "We want to be Quincy's partner for the long haul, and we will work hard to be worthy of the trust and confidence they have placed in us," he said.

Fallon Ambulance Service was founded in 1936 by James R. Fallon, Sr., and has remained a family operated business to this day. The founder’s son, James R. (Ray) Fallon, Jr., and five of his children have all played an integral role in the company’s operation and growth. Fallon Ambulance employs more than 400 personnel, and operates 115 vehicles. The company provides 9-1-1 service to Milton, Quincy, Brookline, Weymouth, Braintree and Dedham as well as primary backup to Boston and Randolph. Fallon Ambulance Service also provides medical transportation for a number of nursing homes, hospitals, and HMOs throughout Greater Boston. Headquarters are at 111 Brook Road, Quincy, MA 02169, and Fallon Ambulance operates satellite offices in Weymouth, Allston and Quincy, MA. A new state-of-the-art headquarters is slated for opening in Quincy in the Fall, 2004. Fallon Ambulance Service is a several-time recipient of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce’s “Success Profile,” and the “local heroes” award by the South Shore Community Action Council. For additional information about Fallon Ambulance services or programs that the company offers, contact Peter Racicot, Senior Vice President of Business Development, at (617) 745-2100, ext. 117 or visit www.fallonambulance.com.