HANFORD, CA – Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) joined City of Hanford, residents, leaders and first responders for a ceremonial check presentation celebrating $1 million the Senator secured in the state budget for public safety equipment, specifically for the Hanford Fire Department to purchase fire engines.

“It was a privilege to join Hanford residents and community leaders, as well as firefighters and first responders, in celebrating the important occasion. The funding secured in the state budget will fund the purchase of fire engines for the city’s fire department, empowering them to continue meeting the city’s needs for generations to come,” said Senator Hurtado. “Public Safety is my top priority, and I am always honored to work with our city’s firefighters wherever and whenever possible.”

“The cost to acquire a new fire engine has increased exponentially over the past ten years, outpacing the City’s ability to maintain sufficient funding to replace its aging units,” said Hanford City Manager Mario Cifuentez. “The funding secured by the Senator will help the City fill a critical gap that currently exists in the response component of the Hanford Fire Department and will play a direct role in improving the level of service to our residents.”

“Thanks to the Senator’s efforts, the Hanford Fire Department will soon have a new fire engine, one that is designed to transport firefighters in a faster and safer manner,” said Battalion Chief Moses Neal. “The addition will also allow us to move one of our current frontline engines into reserve status, which will replace a reserve engine that is outdated and poorly equipped.”

“On behalf of the city of Hanford, we are grateful for the generous support in securing funding four our new fire engine,” said City Councilmember Kalish Morrow. Public safety remains a top priority, and this much-needed investment enhances our emergency response capabilities, safety, and the well-being of our community.”

During a site tour of Hanford’s Fire Department, the city’s fire chief, city manager and local officials relayed their need to purchase new fire engines to ensure they are able to respond to emergencies in a timely manner with the newest equipment available to ensure the safety of first responders during an emergency response.  

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