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Sedgwick County Fire District number 1 unveils three new 2025 Pierce fire engines
Summary
Lieutenant Calvin Flores introduced three new 2025 Pierce fire engines for Sedgwick County Fire District number 1, saying the apparatus include design changes — lowered hose beds, quick‑access medical bags, upgraded air pack seats and an on‑board spill control supply — aimed at speeding response.
Lieutenant Calvin Flores, of Sedgwick County Fire District number 1, introduced three new 2025 Pierce fire engines at a community presentation, saying they replace 2012 models and will be deployed to stations across the county.
"This is a 2025 Pierce," Flores said, noting one engine is assigned to Station 36, another to Andale and the third to the Garden Plain area at Station 39. He said the department has three of the new units in total.
Flores described several design changes intended to speed firefighter response and improve on‑scene capabilities. He said the new apparatus maximize storage space and carry medical bags in exterior compartments so an officer can "jump out, grab that without having to go inside." He added that tools are mounted on both sides with easier access and visibility into compartments.
Flores pointed to a compartment intended for spill control, saying, "It is full of oil dry kitty litter," and explained crews will use that supply for vehicle accidents and other incidents where absorbent material is needed.
He said the hose bed on prior engines sat high and that the new design lowers the hose bed and adds multiple discharges so crews can pull hose and connect more quickly upon arrival. For single‑engine houses such as Station 31 and Station 39, Flores said the rear compartments were sized to carry all required gear — including hydraulic rescue tools ("jaws").
Flores also described an upgrade to air pack seating: where crews previously used a pull rope to release packs, the new seats let a firefighter lean forward and have the air pack release automatically, which he said shortens turnout time.
"With the addition of these 3 engines, it'll make us faster out the door and allows us some enhanced capabilities with the upgrades in technology, post deployment, and just rapid response. It's a very valuable addition to our department," Flores said.
The presentation focused on equipment features and station assignments; no policy changes, budget votes or formal actions were recorded during the remarks. The department did not specify acquisition costs, funding sources or an official in‑service date during the presentation.
