Denver is eyeing a $12.2 million fire truck shopping spree for Denver International Airport, a move that would significantly beef up the Denver Fire Department’s response power on the tarmac and beyond. On the table: three Oshkosh Striker airport-rescue rigs, a new ladder truck and a patrol unit dedicated to airport operations.
What’s on the agenda
Resolution 26-0216 would authorize a $12,229,826 purchase order with Front Range Fire Apparatus for one model 2028 F550 patrol unit, one model 2030 Pierce Velocity 100' Ascendant ladder truck, and three model 2027 Oshkosh Striker vehicles to support DFD operations at DEN, according to Legistar. The packet names Front Range Fire Apparatus as the vendor and lists the model years and vehicle counts as part of a one-time purchase to outfit airport-specific apparatus.
Why the purchase
The patrol unit and Striker vehicles are slated to replace aging assets whose maintenance costs have pushed them past their useful life, and the ladder truck would add capability not previously in the airport fleet, according to the Denver Gazette. The outlet reports that, if the council orders the item published, a public hearing could be scheduled for April 13.
A pattern of airport purchases
City records show this is the latest airport-focused vehicle buy from the same vendor. Last November, the council amended an earlier Front Range Fire Apparatus order, adding two F550 patrol units and three Oshkosh Striker vehicles for a total of around $9.66 million, signaling an ongoing refresh of the airport's ARFF fleet, according to Legistar. That earlier amendment was recorded as a change to purchase order PO-00165256 and carried through committee action.
Airport infrastructure context
The procurement comes as DEN and the city invest in airport-side emergency infrastructure. DFD, DEN, and DOTI broke ground on Fire Station No. 40 in September, a bond-funded project intended to shorten response times along the Peña Boulevard corridor, according to DEN. Officials said the new station will house additional shifts and specialized equipment to support ARFF operations as the area around the airport develops.
Council business is being conducted in the Parr-Widener Community Room while the council chambers are renovated, and local coverage notes that seating for public attendees is limited. The council's regular session typically begins in the mid-afternoon with a separate public-comment period later in the evening, according to the Denver Gazette. The resolution text and related documents are available through the city's public packet for anyone tracking the vote and any subsequent hearings.
