New Brunswick Fire Department Orders New Engine Pumper

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (July 16, 2026) - Mayor Jim Cahill today announced the City's purchase of a new state-of-the-art Pierce Saber engine pumper, reinforcing the City's ongoing commitment to providing firefighters with the modern equipment they need to protect residents, businesses, and visitors.

The new apparatus, with delivery anticipated in early October 2026, will replace a fire engine that has been in service for more than 20 years and has exceeded its useful operational life. The replacement will significantly improve the Fire Department's operational reliability while ensuring firefighters have access to the latest safety and performance technologies.

"Keeping our firefighters equipped with the best tools available is one of the most important investments we can make in public safety," said Mayor Jim Cahill. "As our City continues to grow, we must ensure our Fire Department has reliable, modern apparatus capable of responding quickly and effectively to emergencies. This new engine represents our continued commitment to protecting our residents while providing our firefighters with the safest and most advanced equipment available."

The new Pierce Saber engine pumper is built on a Pierce Enforcer custom chassis with an aluminum pumper body and is powered by a 450-horsepower Cummins L9 diesel engine paired with an Allison 3000 EVS automatic transmission. It features a Waterous single-stage fire pump capable of delivering 1,500 gallons of water per minute and includes a 750-gallon water tank to support firefighting operations.

Designed to meet the demanding needs of today's emergency response environment, the apparatus also includes:

• A six-person enclosed cab with five SCBA-equipped seating positions
• Electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system, and automatic traction control
• Rear-view camera, vehicle data recorder, and seat-belt monitoring system
• HAAS Alert responder-to-vehicle collision warning technology to enhance firefighter safety while responding to emergencies
• Full compliance with the latest NFPA 1900 standards for fire apparatus

Manufactured by Pierce Manufacturing in Bradenton, Florida, the apparatus was selected to provide New Brunswick firefighters with enhanced reliability, improved operational capability, and the latest firefighter safety technologies.

The total purchase price is $1,048,248.87, which includes an extended warranty and maintenance plan, equipment mounting, lettering, mobile radio installation, and FirCom headset communications equipment.

Importantly, $650,000 of the purchase was funded through a Community Development Block Grant, substantially reducing the amount that needed to be financed through the City's capital budget.

"This investment reflects our commitment to responsible fiscal management while ensuring our first responders have the equipment necessary to perform their jobs safely and effectively," Mayor Cahill added. "By leveraging grant funding, we were able to significantly reduce the burden on local taxpayers while making a critical investment in the safety and security of our community."

The new engine is expected to enter frontline service shortly after its anticipated delivery in October 2026, ensuring the New Brunswick Fire Department continues to maintain a modern, dependable fleet capable of meeting the needs of the City.