So you suggest the FD buy at least 60 additional vehicles if it has 60 stations for just the EMS calls besides their ambulances?
At least even with an ALS engine, they are getting more than BLS trained providers. Again, many FDs have streamlined to where these engines only run if they are needed for response time and are the closest unit. Although, many FDs now have enough ambulances where an engine is not always dispatched.
You can not look at how CA, especially Southern CA, does things because other FDs do things a lot more efficiently. Seattle is also a very good example of this. So don't bash all FDs at be wrong.
You're right, my statement applies more to certain municipalities in my region. I'm not against FD ALS first response by any means, however in some cases it could be delivered in a more efficient manner.