The California Fire Department is preparing its new fire chief vehicle for the streets of California and beyond.
California Fire Chief Brad Friedmeyer acquired a new 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 on Friday from Ed Morris Chevrolet, replacing his 2007 Dodge Durango. He said the need for a new fire chief vehicle arose when his Durango began to break down.
"...most of the time, when I stopped at a four-way stop or any stop sign, it would die on me," Friedmeyer said. "It wouldn't keep running. I needed it to get to emergencies if I needed to, and stuff like that."
He said the Silverado has more cab room to haul additional equipment if needed, including extrication tools, an extra fire hose, an automated external defibrillator and medical bags. Friedmeyer added he and his department have discussed placing a Tonneau cover or a camper shell on the vehicle for more security and to carry more equipment; however, no official decision has been made.
Friedmeyer said the city received bids from dealerships in California. Ed Morris Chevrolet gave the lowest bid. Although the fire department initially applied for a grant offered by the ConocoPhillips organization, a crude oil exploration and production company, the City of California paid for the pickup after the request was denied.
"It has been a heck of a last part of the week, from stripping the old Durango down to original paint to picking up the new truck and going to get it declared. It is finally done and now in possession of the California Fire Department," the department wrote in a Facebook post. "Now we work on getting the lights and sirens in and on it. Thank you, council people and the mayor, for allowing my department to purchase the truck after our grant fell through."