Pocono News Section

Scranton to Get Three New Fire Engines

Scranton to Get Three New Fire Engines - Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 6:28PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Thursday, Feb 4, 2010 @ 06:28pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - The city of Scranton will soon be a lot safer. Mayor Chris Doherty announced plans Thursday to get three new fire engines over the next three years.

Standing inside fire headquarters, Deputy Chief Al Lucas couldn't stop smiling. He's thrilled the city will get the new equipment.

"It's big. We haven't seen anything like this in quite some time due to the price of the appartus. These engines are $260,000 pieces of equipment," Lucas said.

Mayor Doherty said the first engine will come this year. Next year, the city will get another fire engine using block grant money. In 2012, the last engine will come. It will be paid for by the city's budget.

"We need to always update and have the best equipment for our taxpayers. One of the reasons why we're named the Best City in Pennsylvania to raise a family is we have tremendous public safety," Mayor Doherty said.

Scranton routinely invests in new fire equipment and vehicles but not usually so many at one time.

"I think it's a good idea. You can never have enough fire engines, especially this time of year with people using their heat," Scranton resident Dominic Faulks said.

The average life span of a fire engine is about ten years. Firefighters say the new engines will be better and more reliable and bring the department into the 20th century while improving morale.

"Just getting new equipment is always a good morale booster. The guys on RESCUE certainly appreciate having a new piece of equipment to work on. You take a little more pride in it," Lucas said.

The city last got a new ladder truck in 2002. The last time they bought an engine truck was in 1997.