CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) – The Cortland Fire Department’s newest truck is now in service.

On September 2, the fire engine was officially commissioned, replacing its nearly 30-year-old, used predecessor.

The acquisition was made possible by $1 million in funding from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s (HCR) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). The total price tag for the new truck was $1.792 million. The purchase was approved by Cortland Common Council earlier this year.

“Maintaining our emergency response equipment is critical for the residents and businesses in this city,” said Mayor Scott Steve. “The reality of the situation is that the taxpayers of this community cannot afford to maintain this necessary but expensive equipment without CDBG.”

The E-ONE aerial ladder truck, which is part of the Cortland FD’s long-range capital replacement plan, was custom-built by Premier Fire Apparatus, Inc.

“The City of Cortland has had a successful relationship with Premier and the E-ONE fire apparatus manufacturing company,” said Cortland Fire Chief Wayne Friedman. “I would like to thank HCR Commissioner RutheAnne Visnauskas and Governor Kathy Hochul for their continued leadership and support of rural upstate communities.”