The new fire engine, a Spartan Gladiator Pumper, is capable of pumping 1,500 gallons of water per minute and is fully equipped for structural firefighting. Because the firefighters provide service for aircraft emergencies at the Las Cruces International Airport, the apparatus is also equipped with aircraft rescue firefighting gear in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration requirements.

The vehicle was paid for through the City’s Vehicle Acquisition Fund. The engine replaces the 1980s era tender that was providing service at the airport.

If the engine had remained permanently out of service, Fire Chief Brian Lambel said it would have caused more strain on the existing tower ladder truck. The department would have been forced to pull various life-saving apparatus from other stations as well.

"By having the engine back in service permanently, this saves time, wear and tear on the tower truck and most importantly, we maintain fire apparatus for second and third calls that may come in at the same time," Lambel said.

Engine 13 is similar to the tower truck in terms of amenities, Lambel added. It also contains more heavy-duty extrication equipment.