City of Hornell Firefighters Davis, Captain Kramer, Brzozowski and Joy stand next to the newly received pumper
From the City of Hornell,
The City of Hornell received its first of two pumper trucks, with the arrival of Engine 83, an E-One Pumper last week. The Common Council approved the purchase of the pumper, for a total cost of $743,152, in November 2024. The second truck is planned to arrive in 2026.
This first pumper will replace its 2005 predecessor, while the second pumper will replace the pumper from 1997, which despite its more advanced age, has some improved operability. Fire Chief Frank Brzozowski explained, “We do a great job of maintaining our equipment, and keeping it in service, but these vehicles are over 20 years old and finding parts for repairs is not only difficult, but expensive.”
The new truck brings significant advancements, particularly in safety and operational efficiency. “This pumper incorporates 20 years’ worth of improvements, especially in accident protection. It also features technological upgrades, such as automatic pumps and shifters, which improve both efficiency and safety when responding to a fire,” said Chief Brzozowski.
Designed to meet the demands of both small city and rural firefighting, Engine 83 offers additional capabilities beyond standard hydrant pumping. “This truck is equipped to pump from a hydrant system, like we have in the City, but it also carries 1,000 gallons of water on board. That allows us to quickly knock down smaller fires before establishing a hydrant connection,” Chief Brzozowski explained. “It’s also capable of drafting water from ponds or other supply areas, which is critical when providing mutual aid in areas without hydrant systems.”
Before officially entering service, Engine 83 will undergo a transition process, with department personnel completing training on the new apparatus. The truck is expected to be fully operational by the end of the coming week.
Mayor John Buckley emphasized the importance of continued investment in public safety. “Fire trucks are one of the larger purchases a municipality makes, but ensuring our fire department has modern, safe, and reliable equipment is absolutely critical,” said Buckley. “A fire is an emergency where every second counts. Having the right tools in place maximizes safety for both our firefighters and residents while improving response outcomes.”
Buckley also expressed appreciation for the purchase, stating, “I’d like to thank Chamberlain Michele Smith and the Common Council for their work in helping make this truck a reality, and to our taxpayers for their continued investment in public safety.”
Engine 83 has been financed through a combination of reserve funds, unrestricted fund balance and borrowing. “We were fortunate to have the opportunity to purchase this demo truck when we were looking for pumpers, so we were able to purchase this truck, as well as a second pumper to bring our fleet up to date. The second pumper is planned to arrive in 2026,” stated Mayor Buckley.
