SOLEDAD — City of Soledad celebrated a major milestone in public safety and community development with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 20, marking the arrival of a new fire ladder truck and the unveiling of a newly constructed apparatus bay built to house it.
Thanks to a $2 million state earmark secured by Sen. Anna Caballero, the City purchased a state-of-the-art ladder truck to serve Soledad’s growing public safety needs. This investment is designed to support future developments, such as higher-density housing and a planned four-story hotel.
Staffed by Cal Fire, the Soledad Fire Department has completed training on the new vehicle, which is expected to go into service later this summer.
“It’ll create depth and bolster our fire department capabilities here in Soledad, and will enhance our services as the city grows with new commercial and residential properties, while also giving us the ability to assist neighboring communities when needed,” said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Jason Luckenbach.
To protect the City’s $1.7 million investment in the ladder truck, a modern apparatus bay was constructed adjacent to the existing fire station at 525 Monterey St., which dates back to the 1950s and could no longer accommodate the new vehicle. The apparatus bay cost $480,000, with an additional $1 million in site improvements.
Funding was made possible through several sources, including $776,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) — a $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package signed by President Joe Biden in 2021 — as well as an earmark from Caballero and the City’s Fire Development Impact Fees.
“The acquisition of this new ladder fire truck is a critical investment in both public safety and our city’s future,” said Mayor Anna Velazquez. “It enhances our ability to respond to emergencies more effectively and paves the way for higher-density housing, allowing us to meet the growing needs of our community while ensuring the safety of every resident. We are thankful to our state, federal and county representatives, as this could not have happened without their support and investment in our community.”
Soledad was the second city in South Monterey County — after King City — to benefit from Caballero’s advocacy for public safety infrastructure.
“I’m proud to have secured funds for a new fire engine ladder truck for the City of Soledad. This investment is about both public safety and preparing Soledad for the future,” Caballero said. “As the city grows, this new fire engine will ensure firefighters have the tools they need to protect lives and property. This project reflects Soledad’s vision, leadership and momentum. It’s happening in Soledad — and this is just the beginning.”
