GONZALES — A brand-new Fouts fire engine was presented last Thursday afternoon during a dedication ceremony in front of the Gonzales Fire Department.
The new $750,000 machine was funded by the County of Monterey Community Development Block Grant and Gonzales Measure K.
Gonzales Fire Chief Jason Muscio was pleased that the new fire engine has arrived and will be up and running soon.
“It was extremely important for our fire department to have this new fire engine,” Muscio said. “We have been switching back and forth with our two older fire engines as they have been breaking down, as one is 18 years old and the other is 22 years old. For the new machine, we just have to get the radio installed and provide training to our firefighters to get familiar with all the new knobs and controls on the fire engine. We should be ready to use the new machine by the second week of October as the engine will need no break-in period.”
Attending the Sept. 18 ceremony were firefighters and staff from Gonzales, Correctional Training Facility and Chualar fire station.
Gonzales City Council members were also on hand for the event, along with students from the City of Gonzales Kids Power After School Program and many community members eager to view the new engine.
“Thank you to our community, partners and staff that made it out to the Fire Dedication today,” wrote City of Gonzales on social media. “This is a huge milestone in being able to continue to keep our community safe. Again, we extend our appreciation to the County of Monterey and Measure K Committee for providing funding through the CDBG and Measure K.”
Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez said it was an “honor to be a partner in helping bring the equipment our communities deserve to keep us all safe.”
“These investments also keep our brave firefighters safe as they respond to calls in our community,” Lopez added. “Together we are building the tools that will help us create the community we want to see. It’s a privilege to fight for us all and help make these victories happen.”
