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                                                                    Exhibit 99.6


CONTACT: Liz Merritt, Rural/Metro Corporation
         (480) 606-3337

         Morgen-Walke Associates
         Investor Relations:       Jim Byers
         (415) 296-7383
         Media Relations:          Christopher Katis
         (415) 296-7383
         Wire Services:            Eric Gonzales
         (212) 850-5600

             RURAL/METRO CORPORATION ANNOUNCES BANK WAIVER EXTENSION


         SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (April 16, 2001) - Rural/Metro Corporation (Nasdaq:
RURL) announced today that it has agreed to a new waiver of covenant compliance
under its $150 million revolving credit facility through August 1, 2001.

         Lenders have agreed to the Company's waiver proposal, which included
the payment of $1.25 million in principal. Also at the Company's request, its
banks will not charge an administrative fee for this waiver. Further, the
Company will retain an additional restructuring consultant to join its current
advisory team to assist in negotiations with the Company's banks.

         Jack Brucker, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "It is clear
that we have made significant progress, and will continue to take actions to
improve financial performance while delivering the highest quality health and
safety services to our customers. We look forward to continuing discussions with
our lenders and our advisors regarding our bank debt. We appreciate the
cooperation and support our banks have provided throughout this process and
remain committed to actively pursuing a permanent resolution."

         Mr. Brucker continued: "We have successfully redefined and refocused
our domestic ambulance operations during the past year, taken important steps to
strengthen the balance sheet, increase cash flow, enhance the quality of revenue
and service our debt. Through these actions, the Company has demonstrated its
fundamental strength and status as a leading, national provider of medical
transportation and safety services."
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         The Company also continues to fully honor the commitments and covenants
of its $150 million senior notes issued in March 1998. Brucker continued, "We
were very pleased to make our $5.9 million bond interest payment as scheduled
last month as we enter our fourth year of continuous, 100 percent performance on
this important financial obligation." Rural/Metro's senior notes mature in 2008.

         Rural/Metro Corporation provides mobile healthcare services, including
emergency and non-emergency ambulance transportation, fire protection and other
safety-related services to municipal, residential, commercial and industrial
customers in more than 400 communities throughout the United States and Latin
America.

         Except for the historical information contained 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 the Company's ability to continue discussions with its
lenders, execute a definitive waiver agreement, secure a permanent lending
facility, improve operating margins, expedite the collection process, and
effectively manage working capital requirements, and other factors and risks
disclosed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports and filings. By making
these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update
these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this press release.

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