Newark gains two new fire trucks equipped with aerial ladders and “Jaws of Life;” Fire department can now respond to any accident in City within 3.5 minutes.

Newark, NJ - October 16, 2008 - Mayor Cory A. Booker and Fire Director David Giordano celebrated Fire Prevention Month today by unveiling the City of Newark’s two newest fire trucks, 110-foot aerial ladder vehicles equipped with “Jaws of Life” devices for use in accidents, at a City Hall ceremony today.

In 2007 Mayor Booker announced in his State of the City Address that significant apparatus upgrades would be made to replace some of the older vehicles in the Fire Department’s aging fleet. The two new vehicles are equipped with “Jaws of Life” equipment and will enable emergency response crews to open up cars crushed or damaged in an accident so rescuers can save occupants inside. One of the vehicles will be assigned to Ladder 1 on Orange Street and the other to Ladder 5 on Clinton Avenue.

“My administration has made public safety the highest priority, and today we are making that commitment a reality by deploying two new fire trucks that provide our firefighters with state-of-the-art equipment,” said Mayor Booker. “We have also re-opened a firehouse in our South Ward, further enhancing our service to our residents and improving the living and working conditions for our firefighters. These measures are examples of the transformation of our great City, and the efforts being made to increase quality of life for our residents.”

Director Giordano noted that the additional “Jaws of Life” equipment now means that the City has the equipment deployed in such a manner that the Department can respond to any point in the City within 3.5 minutes of a call for service.

“We now have nine ladder and two heavy rescue companies equipped with the ‘Jaws of Life.’ The City has never had coverage like this in the past,” Director Giordano said, “This is yet another clear demonstration of the Mayor’s commitment to making public safety our number one priority.”

Fire Chief Michael Lalor pointed out that the engines are painted in bright red, as the Newark Fire Department reverts to a more traditional look. “For two centuries, Newark residents have associated firefighters and their vehicles with the color red. By re-affirming this distinctive color, we are renewing our commitment to upholding our proud heritage and serving our residents.”

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For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us