The Royal Bahamas Police Force is now the owner of five brand new fire trucks that are expected to cut response time for the Department of Fire Services.

The government shelled out $1.278 million for the vehicles.

The vehicles were commissioned by National Security Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage, who got to test drive one of the trucks Wednesday afternoon.

“We expect the trucks to be on the road for the next 20 years,” the minister said.

“What we are going to do now is distribute engines in each of the major communities – one in Cable Beach, Carmichael Road, South Beach, Elizabeth Estates and one at police headquarters. That way we will be able to reach most locations in New Providence in a relatively short period of time.”

The trucks, which were purchased from Rosenbauer America, have the capacity to hold 2,000 gallons of water.

The vehicles, that also have Mercedez Benz engines, have the ability to spray water out of through a bumper’s nosel.

Director of Fire Services Superintendent Walter Evans spoke about the importance of the having the trucks.

“It is critically important for us to have fire appliances in terms of responding to emergencies. There are outlining stations where we could provide emergency service to our customers. And so by doing so it provides us with an opportunity to respond in a timely fashion,” he said.

“In every fire, time matters. Every second counts and it’s because of that reason we always encourage members of the public to contact emergency numbers 919 or call the fire department so that we can be in a position to not only save property but save lives.”