NEW ORLEANS – The City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) took the another step toward replacing its fleet of fire trucks after the City allocated funds to do so and as final lease payments are made on the current fleet.
The NOFD issued an invitation to bid for the purchase of new fire trucks, allowing the NOFD to begin a replacement plan for its entire fleet of fire apparatus over the next few years. In the short term, the department will continue to aggressively make repairs to the current fleet.
“My goal is to put our men and women in the best situation possible to do their jobs so they can continue to effectively serve the people of New Orleans,” said Tim McConnell, Superintendent of the NOFD. “This means providing modern equipment that will allow us to continue building a state-of-the-art, 21st Century department.”
The bid invitation specifically calls for a traditional apparatus capable of carrying firefighters, water, hoses, ground ladders and tools. The trucks must also have pumping capability. This allows firefighters to apply water to a fire as quickly as possible, which is the most critical factor for saving lives and limiting property loss. Because all fire trucks are custom made, the manufacturing process is expected to take at least a year once the contract is signed with the lowest qualified bidder.
Additionally, as is the case with managing any large fleet of vehicles, the NOFD regularly authorizes repairs to the current fleet of over 50 trucks.
“The City allocates nearly $1 million per year for maintenance. In both the short and long terms, we have offered our full support in ensuring firefighters have the equipment and resources they need to do their jobs,” said CAO & Deputy Mayor Andy Kopplin.
