Three new fire engines are now patrolling the streets of Albuquerque.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue marked the start of the engines’ service Tuesday with traditional “push-in ceremonies.” As the name implies, crews lent elbow grease to guide the trucks to their new apparatus bays.
The new trucks replaced a trio of 12-year-old units that have responded to thousands of calls, according to a department press release.
The old engines will join AFR’s reserve fleet.
“This is a well-deserved upgrade for one of America’s finest and most active fire departments, and a prudent investment in the safety of Albuquerque’s families,” Mayor Tim Keller said in the release. “AFR continues to demonstrate excellence in their service to our community, and these new apparatus will help them continue carrying out that commitment.”
Lt. Jason Fejer said Friday the Pierce Enforcer engines, which cost $636,182 each, will help to improve in-service time and reduce operational costs.
“In-service time” refers to the time a truck is not out of service for repairs or maintenance, Fejer said.
“As an apparatus ages, the operational costs increase due to wear and tear,” he said.
The new engines have 500-gallon water tanks on board and can pump out 2,000 gallons a minute when fighting fires. They are also “clean cabs,” Fejer said, meaning that gear carrying potentially hazardous contaminants is stored away from where the firefighters ride — and breathe.
The money for the new fire engines came from a 2021 bond issue.
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