A blessing was held in Hilo on Monday as the Hawaii Fire Department welcomed the arrival of four new ambulances to replace the existing emergency vehicles that have reached the end of their lives.

Funded by the state, the new vehicles will be assigned to the Central Hilo, Keauhou, Waikoloa and Ocean View stations. The total cost of the ambulances was roughly $1.2 million.

“When it comes to emergency services, our island deserves nothing less than the best,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda in a release. “We are excited to welcome these new ambulances to our fleet and are grateful for the state legislature for securing the necessary funds.”

Fire Chief Kazuo Todd says replacing aging ambulances guarantees the county’s paramedics have the reliable resources they need.

“These new ambulances represent our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality emergency medical care to the people of Hawaii County,” Todd said. “We are grateful for the continued support of the state and our community in strengthening our emergency response capabilities.”

County Council Chair Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba conducted the blessing.