Friday, November 6, 2026
The Malverne Fire Department has added a new fire engine to its fleet, bringing updated equipment and technology to the department as firefighters continue preparing to respond to emergencies throughout the community.
The new engine arrived approximately three weeks ago, but before being placed into service, department members spent a week training on the vehicle to become familiar with its equipment and operation. Special attention was given to ensuring that the department was comfortable driving and operating the new apparatus.
Although the new engine features updated technology and electronic components, the department made an effort to keep its layout consistent with the other fire engines. Compartments, equipment and connections are arranged similarly across the fleet so firefighters can quickly locate the tools they need, regardless of which vehicle they are responding in.
“We try to lay everything out the same, so that whatever truck you get on at any time of the day or night, you know where everything is,” firefighter David Gildea said.
Since being placed into service, the new engine has already responded to approximately 15 to 20 calls. While it has not yet pumped water at a working fire, it is now part of the department’s active fleet and available for emergency responses.
The process of acquiring the engine involved planning and coordination among department members. A committee typically works together to determine the specifications and equipment needed for a new vehicle. This particular engine was less customized than some of the department’s other apparatus, such as its ladder truck, which requires additional considerations involving its length, height and ability to navigate the department’s response areas.
Once the engine arrived, firefighters needed time to become familiar with its features, transfer equipment from the previous vehicle and transition the older apparatus out of service. Department members also practiced driving the new engine to ensure they were comfortable operating it.
One of the noticeable differences between the new engine and some of the department’s older vehicles is the increased use of electronic technology. The pump panel, which controls how water is taken from a hydrant and pressurized through the connected fire hoses, features more electronic components than the manual systems found on older engines.
The department also recently had the new engine blessed by its chaplain, following a tradition of having its vehicles blessed. A formal wet-down ceremony has not yet taken place.
While the new engine is the latest addition to the fleet, department members emphasized that maintaining all of their vehicles remains a priority. Fire apparatus and equipment are inspected weekly to ensure everything is present and functioning properly, while the vehicles are regularly cleaned and maintained.
“The Department is excited to put this new apparatus into service,” Chief Anthony Buonomo said. “We take great pride in serving our community, and any and all equipment we can use to do that job efficiently is a great benefit to our members and to the residents.”
The Malverne Fire Department takes pride in keeping every piece of equipment in working order, from its oldest engine to its newest addition. The new fire engine represents another investment in the department’s equipment while maintaining the familiarity and consistency that firefighters rely on when responding to emergencies.
“This new engine will help our firefighters continue to serve the community with the best available equipment for whatever incidents we encounter,” he said.
