Soledad approves emergency replacement of engine on frontline fire engine after catastrophic failure

The City Council approved an emergency purchase to replace the motor on the Soledad Fire Department’s frontline engine (Engine 37) after staff reported the engine motor was damaged beyond repair and the reserve engine is aging. Chief Jason Lukenbach told council members the department experienced recurring overheating, coolant leaks and loss of power on Engine 37; a mechanic and outside inspector concluded the engine block and internal components were damaged and recommended against a partial repair. Fire staff recommended a full replacement (a remanufactured Cummins ISL 8.9‑liter diesel) with new components and replacement labor; estimated parts and labor totaled roughly $66,251.33. The city manager and finance staff said the cost will be covered from the city’s general-fund reserves allocated for public-safety equipment; council members approved the replacement so the department could return Engine 37 to frontline service. Staff noted the city’s reserve engine is a 2009 unit and has greater wear and would be less reliable for front-line deployment if Engine 37 remained out of service. Council voted to authorize the expenditure and resolve to dispense with formal bidding under the municipal code because the repair was an emergency that affected public safety.