QUINCY, MA – Quincy firefighters have a new rescue truck. The MWRA donated to the department one of its tunnel rescue vehicles that was used several years ago, according to the Patriot Ledger. While the truck is a 1999 model, it is in almost mint condition, according to Union President Ernie Ariente.

Ariente said after the city’s only rescue truck was put out of service in 2003, the rescue unit worked off various engines purchased in the early 1980s. There was little space to carry equipment, and the firefighters had to fill their air tanks at the station before responding to a call.

The union has spent the last several months outfitting the new truck with rescue equipment and a portable system that allows for filling air tanks while driving to a fire or accident. It is another addition to a fleet that is slowly recovering from budget constraints over the years.