The Galveston County (TX) Office of Emergency Management is the winner of the first-ever AmbuBus® Bus Stretcher Conversion Kit™ Giveaway from First Line Technology. After four months of nominations and a community-wide voting effort, the Galveston OEM earned 3,290 votes and with them the grand prize: and AmbuBus Bus Stretcher Conversion Kit valued at up to $35,000.

Galveston County OEM Coordinator David Popoff said the organization plans to use their new AmbuBus Kit (along with the potential donation of a bus from Lighthouse Charities) as a statewide asset to bolster disaster preparedness and hurricane preparedness in particular.

“We’re going to park it at a volunteer fire department mid-county that semi-above the surge zone,” said Popoff. “They can ride out minor storms and will be available 24/7 for no-notice events.”

During the three-week voting period, Galveston OEM’s closest competitor was Red Rock Search and Rescue (RRSAR) of Las Vegas, who worked with several community organizations to gather 3,001 votes. As a reward for such a hard-won second place spot, First Line Technology decided to surprise the first runner up organization with a donation of an AmbuBus Kit of their own.

“Our local first responders – and the first responders around the country – are veritable heroes. But they need supplies to help them do the best work – and save the most lives – possible,” said First Line Technology President Amit Kapoor. “This contest was a success for First Line Technology, but it was more of a success for these organizations who know have proof of how much their communities truly care for them. To our winners, finalists, nominees, and first responders everywhere: your communities support you and the work you do does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your service.”

About the Galveston County (TX) Office of Emergency Management:
The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive emergency program from Galveston County, as well as comprehensive response to emergencies throughout the region.

Each year Galveston is threatened by Mother Nature’s weapon of mass destruction, the hurricane. Every square foot of our county (including one of the largest teaching hospitals in the world) is located in a storm surge evacuation zone. The AmbuBus® would help bridge the gap in medical transport.

About First Line Technology:
First Line Technology, LLC supplies Out of the Box Solutions to first responders and the military. Since 2003, First Line has established itself as a leader in new product development and distribution with innovative, yet simple, solutions. First Line prides itself in creating high-quality products that are comfortable, effective, and safe for use in All-Hazards response including the AmbuBus (Bus Stretcher Conversion Kit), PhaseCore (Heat-Activated Personal Cooling Products) and FiberTect (Activated Carbon Dry Decon Wipes).