New Fire Engine Bolsters Ripon's Emergency Response Fleet

Photo courtesy: Ripon Consolidated Fire District

The Ripon Fire District unveiled its latest addition yesterday: a cutting-edge 2024 Type I Fire Engine that marks a significant upgrade to the district's emergency response capabilities.

The custom-built apparatus, featuring a Spartan Cab and constructed by Hi-Tech Fire Apparatus in Oakdale, represents a major investment in the district's safety infrastructure. With its 750-gallon water tank and distinctive red and gray color scheme, the engine matches the modern aesthetic of neighboring Modesto's Fire fleet while bringing new capabilities to Ripon's firefighting force.

"We are excited to get this new apparatus into service," Fire Chief Eric DeHart stated on the district's social media. "We're confident it will serve the District and our residents for the next 20 years."

The new engine, designated as Engine 2-1, will replace its predecessor that logged over 120,000 miles during more than a decade of service. What makes this acquisition particularly notable is its funding source — the entire purchase was covered by development impact fees rather than taxpayer dollars from the district's general fund.

These impact fees, which are one-time charges levied on new development projects throughout San Joaquin County, help communities like Ripon offset the costs of essential public services and infrastructure improvements. The funding mechanism demonstrates how the area's growth directly contributes to enhanced public safety resources.

The timing of the engine's arrival coincides with the district's ongoing efforts to modernize its emergency response capabilities. The purchase, initiated two years ago, reflects the department's long-term planning strategy to maintain state-of-the-art equipment.

Residents interested in seeing the new engine firsthand will have their chance this weekend. The fire district will showcase the vehicle during the First Responders Appreciation Day event on Saturday, April 5, giving community members an up-close look at their investment in public safety.