A state-of-the-art fire truck was handed over to the parish of Clarendon last Thursday by Local Government and Community Development Minister Noel Arscott.

The new unit has special features which will make it suitable to deal with the terrain in the parish, the Jamaica Information Service reported.

Speaking at the handing over at the fire station in May Pen, Arscott said the Government is on a path of re-equipping the Fire Brigade, and the procurement process has started for an additional three fire trucks, which will be in the island next year.

“The stock of the Jamaica Fire Brigade is being expanded with new equipment, and this modern fire unit is guaranteed to significantly enhance the capabilities of the brigade. This unit is designed to specification, in order to suit the local terrain,” the minister said.

Arscott noted that the truck has hydraulic ramps and generators, and is capable of driving and pumping water at the same time, at a discharge rate of 700 gallons per minute. He urged members of the Brigade to maintain the unit.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Central Clarendon Mike Henry said the truck is a “welcomed” asset, which should help to protect the infrastructure in the parish.

Mayor of May Pen Councillor Scean Barnswell said the new unit would enable the fire service to respond more effectively to the challenges in the parish.

The fire truck is among three which the Government recently bought at a cost of $133 million.