City Orders 13 New Fire Trucks with Support from Highmark Health

“One of my priorities coming into office was making sure our first responders have reliable vehicles and equipment to do their jobs safely,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “I immediately saw the need in the Bureau of Fire, so I started looking for partners to help and Highmark stepped up in a big way with their annual capital investment. These new trucks are a commitment to our firefighters and the safety of our communities.”  

The trucks will be supported through Highmark Health’s $4 million annual investment over the next five years for vehicles, equipment and resources for first responders that provide first-response emergency medical care.  

“At Highmark Health, we believe that strong communities depend on strong public institutions, and there are few institutions more essential than the firefighters and emergency responders who protect our neighborhoods every day,” said David Holmberg, CEO of Highmark Health. “We are proud that our contribution is helping make it possible for the City of Pittsburgh to invest in 13 new, state-of-the-art fire trucks that will enhance the safety, preparedness, and resiliency of communities across the city. This investment is about more than equipment. It is about ensuring that first responders have the resources they need to serve residents effectively when every second counts. We are grateful to Mayor O’Connor and city leaders for their commitment to strengthening public safety infrastructure, and we are honored to be part of an effort that will deliver lasting benefits for Pittsburgh and the people who call it home.”  

“I’d like to thank Mayor O’Connor for securing this long-needed investment in the future of the Fire Bureau and Highmark for their leadership and partnership,” said Mat Davis, Acting Chief of the Bureau of Fire. “These new engine and ladder trucks will make a huge difference for our firefighters to respond quickly and safely to every call.”  

"Reliable, modern fire apparatus is essential to firefighter safety and our ability to protect Pittsburgh’s residents,” said Ralph Sicuro, President of Pittsburgh Fire Fighters IAFF Local No. 1. “Our aging fleet has faced increasing maintenance challenges and limited reserve capacity, making this a significant and much-needed investment. We appreciate Mayor O’Connor recognizing this critical need and Highmark Health for its investment in public safety. These new apparatuses will help ensure our firefighters have the reliable equipment they need when Pittsburgh residents call for help." 

The order was authorized by the City’s Equipment Leasing Authority and the timeline for delivery has not yet been determined