By Genevieve Reilly 
Connecticut Post Online (Bridgeport, Connecticut)
Copyright 2007 MediaNews Group, Inc.
All Rights Reserved  

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Mayor John M. Fabrizi was seeing red this morning intense, dazzling red in fact, fire engine red as he climbed into the cab of a shiny new pumper truck just acquired by the city.

Settling himself behind the wheel, he fired up the engine, gleefully blew the siren, several times, and turned on the emergency lights.

"This is absolutely gorgeous," Fabrizi said as the two new Pierce pumpers were unveiled at Fire Department headquarters on Congress Street.

The trucks will replace two vehicles that have been in service since 1986 and 1992, respectively, at Engine Co. 3/4 on Wood Avenue.

Fire Chief Brian Rooney said the trucks were custom-built to the department's specifications in Appleton, Wisc.

Among the features of the new trucks are medical cabinets inside the cabs, lower hose beds, better braking systems, upgraded steering components and safer seats that allow firefighters to buckle in while wearing turnout gear and air packs.

The trucks cost a total of $750,000, bringing to $1.25 million the combined tab the city has spent on new fire vehicles this year.

Earlier this summer, fire officials unveiled a fleet of 2007 mini vans and sport utility vehicles for use by Rooney, three deputy chiefs, two battalion chiefs, the fire marshal division and maintenance division.

Now, Rooney said, "We're patiently waiting for funding for a new ladder truck."

Fabrizi said the new vehicles reinforce his administration's commitment to public safety.

He also said the city is in discussions with the Fire Department about starting a second scuba team.

The Police Department already has a dive team, but Fabrizi said there are a lot of waterways in the city and the firefighters are considered the first responders to many emergencies.

He said the idea of a firefighter dive team was broached following several drownings last month.