City of Sunland Park purchasing new fire trucks

Out with the old and in with the new and shiny fire trucks.

After years of mechanical issues, Sunland Park put in an order to purchase two pumper trucks and one truck to combat brush fires.

“Yearly we’re running anywhere from 1,500 to 1,700 calls a year,” President of the Sunland Park Fire Fighter’s Association Joseph Mayorga said.

Mayorga said when they get a call, their current trucks are ready to go. But they have gotten some wear and tear over the years.

“These trucks are still operating right now but it does benefit us to get these new apparatus to replace them so we can better serve the community,” Mayorga said.

One of their trucks is 12-years-old, the other is 20.

“We have had break downs and mechanical issues,” Mayorga said. “It’s no different from any other fire department.”

Mayorga said the National Fire Protection Association recommends trucks on the frontline be replaced every 10 years. But ultimately it’s up to the jurisdiction.

“Seeing the needs and then ultimately being able to group together all the funding we need to make these purchases, we have to be a little creative and use multiple sources of funding,” Sunland Park Mayor Javier Perea said.

Starting in July, manufacturing will begin for two fire trucks and a truck that will service brush fires. Sunland Park’s city manager says all 3 will cost $1.3 million. $630,000 will come from state funding. $700,000 will come from two loans from the New Mexico Finance Authority.

Mayorga says since they always have a back up, at no time did mechanical issues ever hinder the safety of the public.

But he’s hopeful these new additions will make for a smoother ride.

“We’re very thankful that the city has acknowledged that and moved forward to get us some new apparatus,” Mayorga said.

Mayorga said the new trucks will also allow them to put out fires quickly and rely on less manpower. It’ll take about 10 months until the city receives them.