The City of Brownsville Fire Department has received two new fire trucks and these trucks have been eagerly anticipated by the department, and firefighters have been busy inspecting and preparing them for service.

The addition of two new fire trucks to the fleet of the Fire Department will ensure Brownsville residents are safe during emergency situations.

The Fire Department on November 8, 2023, during a ceremony dedicated two new fire trucks providing the firefighters with the latest tools and equipment to do their jobs.

Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. said it was an exciting day for Brownsville and the fire department to receive and dedicate two new fire engines that are greatly needed in the city.

 With the supply chain issues, it takes at least a year if not more to receive a fire truck. “It is much needed and we hope to continue that progress,” Cowen said.

Deputy City Manager Alan Guard who represented the city manager’s office at the ceremony said City Manager Helen Ramirez “cares deeply about the people that work for us, work for the city and she wants to make sure that you have the tools you need to do your job the best way possible because we know that is the best way to provide the best service possible to our community.”

One of the fire trucks will be located off of Military Highway which is located in District 4 and is overseen by District 4 City Commissioner Pedro Cardenas.

Cardenas said the new fire trucks are fully equipped and come with everything needed should they respond to an accident or any type of fire.

Brownsville Fire Chief Jarrett Sheldon expressed his excitement about receiving these new trucks, especially for the districts served by Station No. 7 (off of Military Highway) and Station No. 6 (off of old Port Isabel Road).

Sheldon said not only was he excited about the new fire trucks but the firefighters were excited about them as well.

“It’s a lot of excitement going on right now about our trucks because we have been challenged with delays in parts. As trucks get older, our personnel have pride in their trucks and they want to be able to have the right equipment to respond so having new trucks, and new apparatus is giving them the ability to do their job and respond safely and effectively to help people,” Sheldon said.

The firetrucks cost about $889,000 each, and they were ordered approximately one year ago. Funding for one of the trucks came from the Community Development Block Grant, while the other was part of the City's Capital outlay projects.  

“With these new trucks, we are not just upgrading our equipment; we’re enhancing our commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. These firetrucks are not just vehicles; they are a promise of readiness, responsiveness, and unwavering dedication to our community,” Sheldon said.

The new fire trucks are fully loaded and fully equipped, including rescue equipment, medical equipment, and any other tools necessary for firefighters to perform their duties effectively. These trucks have been customized to meet the specific needs of Brownsville and its community.  

This customization includes features that enable the trucks to navigate the city's roads efficiently, such as the ability to make tight turns with independent suspension.

The arrival of these new fire trucks is a significant advantage for the Brownsville Fire Department and the community, as they continue to receive the necessary equipment to respond to emergencies and ensure the safety of residents.