Cherokee Nation Unveils New Ambulance Fleet, Reinforcing Commitment to Building a Safer Future for the Cherokee People

We are thrilled to share some important news that underscores our tribe's unwavering commitment to the health and safety of our citizens. This month, our tribe will proudly launch a fleet of 10 state-of-the-art ambulances, a significant milestone made possible by a $54 million investment into Cherokee Nation Emergency Services by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner.

These new blue and gray ambulances, adorned with the Cherokee Nation seal, represent more than just advanced emergency vehicles — they symbolize our dedication to safeguarding the lives of our tribal citizens. Equipped with cutting-edge features, including Bluetooth radio systems for seamless communication, sliding side doors for enhanced roadside safety, and top-tier equipment, these ambulances will be a crucial asset in our emergency response efforts.

Our journey toward this improvement began in 2022 when Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner, having engaged directly with our EMS staff and listened to their invaluable feedback, recognized the need to enhance our facilities and fleet. Their visionary approach led to the proposal and subsequent approval of this investment by the Council of the Cherokee Nation as part of our ARPA-funded Respond, Recover, and Rebuild plan. This ambitious framework, exceeding a billion dollars, is designed to provide both immediate and long-term benefits to our Cherokee Nation communities.

“We all have a stake in efficient and effective emergency services, so when we have the resources to assist, we will do what is needed for our most vulnerable citizens in their time of emergency needs. Under our Respond, Recover, and Rebuild plan, the Cherokee Nation has committed millions to our own public safety programs, including a new ambulance fleet and EMS headquarters. This investment reflects the Cherokee Nation’s ongoing commitment to building a safer future for the Cherokee people.” — Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.

In addition to the new ambulance fleet, we are excited to announce the launch of a new Paramedic Education Program, accredited by Oklahoma State University. This program aims to train the next generation of paramedics, addressing the critical shortages experienced nationwide, including within our own communities. As Deputy Chief Warner aptly noted, “As the demand for paramedics continues to increase, we are also responsible for ensuring they have the necessary equipment to perform their duties that are most effective. This new fleet of ambulances will be instrumental in making a crucial difference in emergency situations."

To further public safety efforts, we also broke ground on a new, state-of-the-art, 61,500-square-foot?public?safety building that will be in Tahlequah near our tribe’s current EMS and Marshal Service facilities. The building is expected to be completed by early 2026.?

For more information about Emergency Services or to apply to the Paramedic Education Program, contact Cherokee Nation EMS at?918-453-5200.

#Together, in the spirit of #gadugi, we are building a brighter, more secure future for our community.