Rural/Metro's Southwest Ambulance Wins New 911 Contract in New Mexico

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 1 -- Rural/Metro Corporation announced today that its Southwest Ambulance subsidiary has won a new contract to become the exclusive provider of emergency medical transportation services in San Miguel County and the City of Las Vegas, New Mexico.

The contract was awarded following a competitive bidding process that included the incumbent local provider as well as a national competitor. San Miguel County and Las Vegas, the county's largest city, are located in Northeastern New Mexico, just east of Santa Fe and approximately 100 miles northeast of Albuquerque. New Mexico has been ranked the 12th-fastest growing state in the nation, with a population growth rate of 20 percent from 1990 to 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

While specific terms remain to be negotiated, the initial contract term will be four years.

Jack Brucker, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We first began service in New Mexico nearly two years ago and are focused on expanding our presence in this rapidly growing state. We believe there are excellent opportunities for future growth in the Southwest region."

Southwest Ambulance entered the New Mexico market in July 2003 when it was awarded the exclusive contract to provide all emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services in Dona Ana County, including greater Las Cruces. Southwest Ambulance also serves more than 25 communities in Arizona with more than 1,000 employees and a fleet of 225 vehicles.

Barry Landon, President of Southwest Ambulance, said, "Our employees are dedicated to providing excellent patient care and customer service. We value the support we have received from local government and emergency response agencies in Las Vegas and San Miguel County and look forward to contributing to the strength of the local emergency response system in the future."

Rural/Metro Corporation provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation, fire protection, and other safety services in 23 states and approximately 365 communities throughout the United States. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.ruralmetro.com.