Rural/Metro Announces Award of Contract to Continue as 911 Ambulance Provider in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Business Editors

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2004

Rural/Metro Corporation (Nasdaq:RURL), the leading national provider of medical transportation and fire protection services, announced today that its Southwest Ambulance division has been awarded a new contract to remain the exclusive emergency ambulance provider in the City of Apache Junction, Arizona.

The contract was awarded on a unanimous decision of the Apache Junction Fire District Board and calls for an initial three-year term, followed by two, three-year optional renewal periods, for a total possible length of nine years.

Southwest Ambulance has been the exclusive provider of emergency ambulance services in Apache Junction since 1993. The company serves the medical transportation needs of more than 3,000 Apache Junction patients each year. The city is home to more than 100,000 permanent residents and part-time winter visitors.

Jack Brucker, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our ability to generate same-service area revenue increases has been effective, in part, due to Rural Metro's strong regional presence in areas that hold promise for continued growth such as Apache Junction. Southwest Ambulance's significant base of operations enables us to create the economies of scale necessary to perpetuate high-quality service to our customers."

Barry Landon, President of Southwest Ambulance, added, "We are pleased to continue serving the emergency medical transportation needs of Apache Junction. Our employees are committed to contributing to the ongoing success of the EMS systems in this and other communities we serve through excellent patient care and customer service."

Rural/Metro Corporation provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation, fire protection, and other safety services in 24 states and more than 400 communities throughout the United States. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.ruralmetro.com.

Except for historical information herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the ability to sustain operating cash flows; secure new contracts; retain existing contracts; improve operating margins; and maintain compliance with covenant and other requirements of its amended credit facility. Additional factors that could affect the company are described in its Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section, and other factors as described from time to time in the company's SEC filings. The company disclaims any obligation to update its forward-looking statements.