LINCOLN, NEB. (July 25, 2007)— The city of Bridgeport has been awarded $125,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to purchase a new fire engine to primarily serve the needs of residents living within the incorporated areas of Bridgeport.  

Bridgeport will provide $75,000 in matching funds bringing the total project cost to $200,000.

The Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department currently operates a 1984 engine/pumper. While the pumper has passed all current testing, ongoing maintenance records and its current condition indicate that it needs to be completely rebuilt. Since its design and manufacture, the National Fire Protection Agency has significantly upgraded safety features and standards of manufactured equipment for fire department personnel. Under current safety protocols, a minimum of six fire-fighting personnel are required, particularly at structured fires. However because the department’s 1984 engine/pumper can only transport two people, plus a limited amount of equipment,  all remaining personnel must use other vehicles or personal cars, and transport additional apparatus.

The new engine/pumper and trained personnel will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The fact that all needed personnel along with equipment and gear will fit comfortably on the truck will significantly improve response time, and the ability to suppress or extinguish fire, which should result in more lives and properties saved.

Administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Nebraska receives an annual allocation of CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development