The Hobbs City Commission voted to approve the purchase of a Pierce heavy rescue pumper apparatus through a New Mexico GSA contract for $923,373, Fire Chief Mark DePorto said. The truck is intended to supplement the city’s rescue and hazardous-materials response capability.
DePorto told the commission the city was awarded $1.5 million in capital outlay funding in 2024 for heavy rescue and hazardous-materials vehicles; after this purchase of $923,373, he said approximately $576,627 would remain to acquire a dedicated hazmat vehicle. He said the new apparatus will be similar to the department’s existing unit known as 513 and will carry rescue tools, stabilization gear and other equipment used at vehicle accidents and technical rescues.
Deputy Chief Marinovich said the department expects faster delivery times under current spec-based manufacturing and estimated delivery in March 2026. Commissioners asked about maintenance and dealer support; DePorto said the department has an existing arrangement with Siddons Martin for major repairs and that City Garage recommended a larger alternator as a pre-delivery change order.
Commissioner Fields moved to approve the purchase; Commissioner Girth seconded. Miss Fletcher called the vote: Commissioners Smith, Mills, Fields, Calderon and Girth and Mayor Sam D. Cobb voted yes and the motion passed.
The commission approved the purchase and authorized staff to complete contract paperwork; DePorto said staff would return with any required change orders for commission approval.