The Somers Fire Department took delivery of its new fire engine. It features a 1,000 gallon tank and 2,000 gallon-per-minute pump. It was designed specifically for Somers’ needs, with a smaller footprint to fit in Station 2 where it is assigned.

To accomplish this, the large rear bumper (called a tailboard) was replaced by a foldout rear compartment door that can be used as a platform. That change allows for a shorter truck without compromising functionality.

Pump operation is done from one side of the truck instead of the traditional walk-through cockpit. It allows for additional storage on the other side of the engine. The pump operator is still able to monitor the scene through on-board video cameras and screens.

These design changes allow the same equipment to be carried on this fire engine as the one assigned to Station 1.

Adding to firefighters safety, all the rescue tools on board are battery operated, which eliminates the need to carry gas cans on board.

Rosenbauer was very receptive the design changes proposed by the Somers design team consisting of Chief Carson Wilkinson, Capt. Joe Scruggs, Capt. Ben Andersen and Lt. Adam Pisula. The fire engine is a one-of-a-kind for the manufacturer but the new design has caught the eye of several other departments facing similar issues.

It is the fourth apparatus manufactured by Rosenbauer on the department. It is replacing a 1989 engine made by Pierce Manufacturing that was becoming unsafe due to its age.

The new engine cost $471,00o and was paid for by fees paid by new development coming to the village.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturing was delayed and Rosenbauer offered the village additional features at no additional cost. Those include a bluetooth system that alerts nearby drivers using navigation applications in their cars that a fire engine is in the area.