Navajo Nation Fire Department secures new fire and rescue trucks

PHOENIX — The Navajo Nation Fire Department unveiled a new fleet of fire trucks, rescue vehicles and equipment last week.

Eight trucks were ordered and built specially for the Navajo Nation, according to a press release.

The department secured seven fire trucks last year that are currently in action.

The eight new trucks include: two Rosenbauer Avenger Type One Pumpers, two Rosenbauer Timberwolf Type Three Pumpers, two Rosenbauer Mini Rescues, and two Cascade Type Six Brush Trucks, according to the release.

Navajo Nation fire chief Larry Chee and public safety executive director Jesse Delmar had a major role in a 2018 proposal to re-allocate tax revenue for more resources to help first responders, according to the release.

“The new trucks will greatly advance the abilities of our department to provide services” Chee said in the statement. “These trucks are the most advanced fire apparatus in the country and the Navajo Nation. Their large capacity water tanks, oversized compartments, and four-wheel drive capabilities will take the response of the fire department to a level we have never been.”

Before the Navajo Nation re-allocated its tax revenue, the fire department relied on outside-donated vehicles.

“Under the former Administration and the 23rd Navajo Nation Council, legislation was approved to allow the Navajo Nation to use the reallocated tax revenue to improve the Nation’s fire departments, critical emergency response services, and other equipment essential to ensuring life-saving services,” Navajo Nation president Jonathan Nez said in the statement. “The men and women of the Navajo Nation Fire Department are frontline warriors and have saved many lives while putting themselves at risk.”

The fire department and rescue services operate 24/7 across the Navajo Nation.

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