In a time-honored tradition rooted in the early days of firefighting, the Eden Prairie Fire Department officially called five new fire trucks into service during a “push-in” ceremony Friday, Aug. 22 at Fire Station 1.
The new equipment replaces fire engines that have served the community for 20 years or more, and include three fire engines and two “skeeter” or rescue trucks — all featuring cutting-edge technology and safety enhancements to support the department’s all-hazard emergency response.
The push-in ceremony, which dates to the era of horse-drawn fire wagons, involves firefighters manually pushing the trucks into the vehicle bay — a symbolic act of readiness. The department performed three ceremonial pushes: one to honor the past, one to serve the present and one to represent the future of fire service in the community.
“These new fire trucks represent a major investment in public safety, and the health and well-being of our firefighters,” said Fire Chief Scott Gerber. “We are proud to welcome them into service in the same tradition that has united firefighters for generations.”
Features of the New Apparatus
The new fire engines include several key enhancements:
- Modern safety features such as rollover protection and airbags
- Advanced driving and pumping systems for improved operational efficiency
- Redesigned cabinetry to better store and access emergency medical supplies
- A lower hose bed to reduce physical strain on firefighters
- 360-degree visibility through exterior camera systems
The skeeter trucks are a new addition to the department's fleet and introduce a more versatile approach to emergency response:
- Designed to enhance response to wildfires and aircraft incidents
- Equipped with pump-and-roll capabilities, allowing water flow to be managed from inside the cab
- Outfitted with a full complement of emergency medical equipment and the latest firefighter safety technology
Originally ordered in 2022, all five trucks were delivered simultaneously due to manufacturer timelines. An additional engine, which was ordered in 2023, will arrive in 2026, and a new ladder truck ordered in 2024 is expected to arrive in 2027.
The decommissioned vehicles will either be traded into the dealer or sold to other fire departments through the City’s asset management process.
“We are grateful to our community for its continued support, which ensures we have the tools we need to protect lives and serve Eden Prairie safely and effectively,” said Chief Gerber.
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