KISSIMMEE, FL – The City of Kissimmee Fire Department officially introduced Heavy Rescue 1, a new specialized fire truck that expands the department’s ability to respond to complex emergencies and protect the community.
Heavy Rescue 1 is a 37-foot, 10½-inch vehicle weighing 54,000 pounds (empty). This specialized unit enables the department to respond directly to incidents such as automobile accidents with entrapment, confined-space rescues, and high-angle operations without relying on outside assistance.
Staffed by firefighters and paramedics equipped with advanced life support (ALS) capabilities, Heavy Rescue 1 enables responders to begin patient care immediately while awaiting transport units. The truck carries specialized equipment, including hydraulic rescue tools and heavy-lifting devices, allowing crews to manage complex emergencies safely.
“A heavy rescue truck responds when an emergency is complicated and dangerous, requiring specialized tools and training to save lives,” said Fire Chief Jim Walls. “Putting Heavy Rescue 1 into service strengthens our ability to act immediately and provide critical care on scene, improving safety for our residents, businesses, and visitors.”
The Push-Back Ceremony marks a long-standing fire service tradition, recalling when firefighters manually moved horse-drawn apparatus into stations. Today, it symbolizes the department’s ongoing commitment to preparedness and service to the Kissimmee community.
To learn more about the City of Kissimmee Fire Department, visit kissimmee.gov/fire.
