Jamaica Fire Brigade to Get Two New Trucks
The Government of Jamaica through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, has signed a US$987,822 contract with Rosenbauer International for the acquisition of two new trucks for the Jamaica Fire Brigade.
The units, which are slated to be in the island by next year, will be built in Minneapolis, United States, at the facilities of Rosenbauer America.
These trucks, which are known as “pumpers” are specifically designed for Jamaican conditions and the operations of the Jamaican Fire Brigade.
In his remarks, Portfolio Minister Hon. Desmond McKenzie said the trucks will boost the Fire Brigade’s existing fleet.
“The trucks will be pre-ordered, and they do take some time to get here (but) because of the relationship that exists between the local company and the foreign company, we are hoping that we will get them a little bit ahead of schedule,” he said.
Mr. McKenzie noted that the Ministry is committed to the capacity expansion of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and the acquisition of fire trucks is critical to the honouring of that promise. The Minister added that other improvements will include the commencement of work on one of the three new fire stations that will be constructed in St. James, St. Thomas and St. Mary in this financial year, and the procurement of safety and security gear.
Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Errol Mowatt, stated that the trucks will be deployed based on the needs of each division, when they arrive in the island, and noted that the units will improve the capability of the Jamaica Fire Brigade to better respond to the needs of the citizenry.
Commissioner Mowatt also disclosed that very shortly, a similar contract will be signed for two additional trucks.
Rosenbauer Minnesota, LLC, one of Rosenbauer America’s four production centres, is located in Wyoming. The produces custom, technically demanding fire service trucks.
