According to a report from FOX5, the San Diego (CA) Sheriff’s Department (SDSD) has officially opened the new, first-of-its-kind Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVOC) Center in Otay Mesa to aid police, firefighters, and other first responders in practicing evasive maneuvers and vehicle training in San Diego County.

The SDSD said that first responders spend more time driving than any

A dedication ceremony for a new Airport Rescue and Firefighting Apparatus (ARFF) was held at the Stillwater Regional Airport, according to the Stillwater NewsPress.

Airport Director Paul Priegel told reporters that the apparatus that was replaced had been manufactured in 2000 and had about a 20-year lifespan, so it was due for an upgrade.

“This apparatus is the safest, the latest, and greatest firefighting equipment on the market, and we’re super excited to be able to provide it for safety here at Stillwater Regional Airport,” Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce said. He said it’s comforting to know the ARFF is here in case there is an emergency.

Joyce said the health, safety, and quality of life of visitors and community members are “on our mind when it comes to this partnership and putting the funds available to make this possible.”

Stillwater Fire Chief Terry Essary ended the dedication with the symbolic “wet down” of the apparatus, with firefighters using water from the old rig to wash the new one.

Meriden (CT) is expecting to use about $660,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds to buy a new fire pumper for its South Meriden fire station, according to a report published by myrecordjournal.com.

Meriden will likely receive more than $35.3 in federal funds with the city receiving close to three dozen funding requests with more than 20 coming from city departments, according to the report.

A steer committee set up to help decide how to spend the money voted 6 to 2 for the fire truck request, according to the report.

Meriden’s fire chief said the fire department tries to replace the city’s fire department vehicles on a 3-year cycle, according to the report, adding the chief said the department typically gets about 22 years of useable service out of its existing fire pumpers.

Two new fire trucks put in service with the Portage (MI) Fire Department are equipped with a GPS-based alert system, according to a report published by FOX17.

The television station said the two trucks have been equipped with HAAS Alert systems that gives motorists 30 second notice of the approach of the fire engines with lights and sirens activated. The systems reportedly reduce crashes by up to 90 percent.