The city of Albert Lea recently added a new vehicle to its firefighting fleet. The engine, which is equipped with the latest technology, replaces a 20-year old engine and provides the tools to assist with the all of the challenges that firefighters now face, according to a press release.

“We are excited to add the engine to our fleet,” said Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske. “We needed this piece of modern equipment to help with the wide array of problems we face every day.”

The vehicle has gear that allows firefighters to perform vehicle extrication, rope rescue, confined space rescue, water rescue and hazardous materials incidents as well as respond to EMS calls.

The truck cost $500,000, but is valued at $550,000 because of the discounts provided by E-ONE and Fire Safety USA.

Now that the engine has arrived, the Albert Lea Fire Department will add communications equipment. Laskowske expects the engine to be ready for service by mid-November.