A week after Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird introduced new super combo trucks for year-round use, the mayor unveiled three new vehicles for Lincoln Fire and Rescue. LFR will now have use of two new fire engines and a state-of-the-art ambulance, all of which have enhanced features.
“We’re pleased to welcome three brand new vehicles to LFR’s fleet to continue to support rapid response times for our community as well to enhance the safety of our LFR team when they answer their calls,” said Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird.
It was the mayor who talked about the new ambulance, which will replace one of the city’s busiest. “In addition to enhanced safety features, the unit is equipped with four-wheel drive for better mobility, and increased lighting so our LFR team can better light an emergency scene and care for residents who experience an emergency after dark.” The ambulance also comes with a replaceable patient compartment that allows for updates to the vehicle at minimal cost.
As for the fire engines, which will replace engines at Station 10 in Landon’s and Station 14 in the Highlands, LFR Chief David Engle shared what makes them so special.
“These two fire engines are designed with improved emergency lighting that increases visibility and decreases the risk of an accident,” said Engler. “A filtration system will remove cancer-causing particles in the cab, and the latest generation in emissions control systems. Additionally, our new apparatus has a galvanized frame to better withstand Nebraska’s winter-weather conditions.” For the safety of the drivers, the engines are equipped with advanced airbags, seatbelts and collision sensors.
The new vehicles were paid for with 8.4 million dollars of federal CARES Act money. All three will be fitted with new hoses, tools and communications devices before they begin operating in three to five weeks.