There is at least one well-known reason why firefighters wear red suspenders. But the only reason fire engines and other emergency-service vehicles have red paint is tradition.

In 1965, Rural/Metro decided to buck tradition because red vehicles soon faded under the hot, Arizona sun and needed frequent repainting, adding unnecessary cost to their operation. They were also extremely difficult to see at night, and in foggy or rainy weather.

Rural/Metro began painting its apparatus Safety Green (the color of tennis balls) after a national study demonstrated it was the most visible color under all weather conditions - and at night - and provides the greatest contrast to environmental colors.

In addition, the Safety Green vehicles require less maintenance than apparatus of a different color. Safety Green doesn't fade in the sun, and also saves on cleaning costs. (Smoke and ash from fires tend to blanket white apparatus, which then won't come clean.)

That's why Rural/Metro vehicles are Safety Green - a company hallmark. The unique color of our vehicles is just one example of the innovation and forward thinking that makes Rural/Metro the premier provider of health and safety solutions.