SCOTTSDALE , Ariz., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rural/Metro Corporation (Nasdaq: RURL) announced today that is has been awarded a new five-year contract in a competitive bidding process to continue as the exclusive provider of emergency and non-emergency ambulance services in Loudon County, Tennessee. The contract began January 1, 2006 and is expected to contribute approximately $10.5 million in net revenue over its term.

Rural/Metro has been the medical transportation provider in Loudon County since 2003, under a subcontract with Fort Sanders Loudon Medical Center, which formerly held the county's primary emergency medical services contract. A decision by the hospital to exit the medical transportation business resulted in the county's first competitive bidding process, during which the contract was awarded to Rural/Metro by the Loudon County Commission.

Jack Brucker , President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are very pleased to serve all of the 911 and non-emergency medical transportation needs in Loudon County and appreciate the partnership we have established over the years with Fort Sanders Medical Center. We will continue to identify opportunities among hospital-based providers that want to outsource their medical transportation services, as we believe this to be an area for future expansion."

Bryan Gibson , Southern Region President, said, "We are proud to provide this community with high quality and cost-effective patient care. Loudon County officials recognize the level of service we provide, and we appreciate their continued confidence and support."

Tre Hargett, Rural/Metro's Vice-President of Tennessee Operations, said, "Rural/Metro has provided world-class ambulance service in East Tennessee for more than 20 years. In that same tradition, we will continue to provide the residents of Loudon County with the high level of care that they have grown to expect over the past three years."

Rural/Metro responds to all 911 calls for medical assistance, emergency first aid and ambulance transportation in the 229-square-mile county. Loudon County is contiguous to Rural/Metro's long standing operation in Knox County,Tennessee, where the company has provided medical transportation and fire protection services since 1985.

Rural/Metro of Tennessee is the largest emergency service provider in East Tennessee, with a combined work force of more than 500 firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, telecommunicators and other support personnel. Rural/MetroAmbulance Service is the only accredited provider in the state, with contracts for 911 services in Knox, Blount, Loudon and Franklin counties.

About Rural/Metro

Rural/Metro Corporation provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation, fire protection, and other safety services in 22 states and approximately 365 communities throughout the United States. For more information, visit the Company's web site at www.ruralmetro.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Theserisks and uncertainties include, among others, the Company's ability to collect its accounts receivable; competitors' actions; litigation and regulatory matters; and the Company's ability to sustain operating cash flow, secure new contracts, retain existing contracts, and improve earnings and operating margins. Additional factors that could affect the Company are described in its Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2005 under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section, and other factors as described from time to time in the Company's SEC filings. The Company disclaims anyobligation to update its forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Rural/Metro Corporation

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