YONKERS – Mayor Mike Spano joined Yonkers Fire Commissioner William Fitzpatrick and members of the Yonkers Fire Department earlier today to bless six new pumper trucks now available for full operation – the largest single delivery of such trucks in 20 years.
“Our primary mission and priority is the safety of our firefighters,” said Mayor Spano. “We want to ensure we have the right equipment for firefighters who go out there and put their lives on the line for us. This is an investment in life-saving.”
Under Spano’s Administration, the City of Yonkers has secured 29 new ladder trucks, pumpers, and battalions.
“These six new pumpers are a big step in upgrading our fleet,” Yonkers Fire Commissioner William Fitzpatrick said. “There is a national shortage of fire apparatus and extended delivery times. Our team lead by (Deputy) Chief (Ray) Mahoskey was able to put this all together in six months, which is unparalleled in the fire service.”
The pumper trucks, which were manufactured by US Fire Apparatus in Louisiana, will be responsible for fire suppression and first response to any medical emergencies. Before full-service operation, the trucks were extensively tested on all firefighting components, including radio programming and road testing around Yonkers’ hilly terrain.
“This would not have happened without the support of the City Council,” Spano added. “The City Council is fair and they are willing to spend the dollars that it takes to keep our firefighters safe and our residents safe.”
Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy has supported this effort for the fire department.
“I am pleased the Mayor and Fire Department were able to procure six new pumper trucks while most departments throughout the country are facing extended delivery delays,” Collins-Bellamy said. “I proudly supported this capital investment and remain committed to keeping the residents of our growing city safe.”
Father Bill Cleary of the Church of St. Joseph in Bronxville blessed the fire trucks and apparatus. The blessing is a longstanding Fire Department tradition honoring the risk of the job, the people who serve, and the Yonkers Fire Department’s mission of protecting life and property.
