Pittsburgh has ordered 13 new fire apparatuses for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire as part of a public safety investment supported by Highmark Health.
Mayor Corey O’Connor said the order includes eight custom engine/pumper trucks and five custom ladder/aerial trucks. The purchase follows the city’s announcement earlier this year of a $20 million partnership with Highmark Health to support capital investments in the Department of Public Safety.
The trucks will be funded through Highmark Health’s $4 million annual investment over the next five years, which is intended to support vehicles, equipment and other resources for first responders providing emergency medical care.
“One of my priorities coming into office was making sure our first responders have reliable vehicles and equipment to do their jobs safely,” O’Connor said. “These new trucks are a commitment to our firefighters and the safety of our communities.”
Highmark Health CEO David Holmberg said the contribution will help Pittsburgh invest in “state-of-the-art fire trucks” designed to improve safety, preparedness and resiliency across the city.
Mat Davis, Acting Chief of the Bureau of Fire, said the new engine and ladder trucks will help firefighters respond “quickly and safely to every call.” Ralph Sicuro, president of Pittsburgh Fire Fighters IAFF Local No. 1, said modern apparatus is essential to firefighter safety and the city’s ability to protect residents.
The order was authorized by the City’s Equipment Leasing Authority. A delivery timeline has not yet been determined.
