The truck was purchased through the Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Purchasing Program, a government-to-government procurement system that City Council voted to participate in last year. The co-op offers reduced pricing for government entities.  

The Fire Department has seven engines, two ladder trucks and one rescue vehicle in operation. However, several of the rigs have mechanical and operational issues, including leaky hoses and pumps, bald tires and worn brakes, which local officials have expressed concern over.