The Brevard County Commission on Oct. 28 approved a $5.5 million allocation from Fire Control MSCU funds to purchase new fire apparatus and support station construction.

Fire Chief presented the request: four Class A pumpers at a combined price of about $2.9 million, one type‑4 wildland/brush truck that can be adapted for high‑water rescue operations, and funding toward the start of Fire Station 27 construction in the Westport / Saint John / Fay Lake Park area. The chief explained the county continues to operate frontline trucks whose manufacturers are out of business and that earlier purchases can avoid higher future costs and long delivery times.

Commissioner Delaney voted against the measure and explained why: she said the county should prioritize spending on staffing improvements (including scheduling and work‑life balance changes) that would strengthen recruitment and retention before adding fleet capacity. “Until we are able to implement Kelly days or 24‑72 schedule … we need to spend this money on implementing those work life balance pieces,” Delaney said.

The motion passed on a 4–1 roll call. Commissioners supporting the purchase cited fleet reliability, parts availability, and long equipment lead times as reasons to acquire new trucks sooner rather than later.