LUBBOCK FIRE RESCUE UNVEILS ITS FIRST DEDICATED BLOCKER TRUCK TO INCREASE SCENE SAFETY FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

Lubbock Fire Rescue is proud to announce the unveiling and in-service placement of a newly dedicated Blocker Truck, a re-purposed fire engine designed to provide an additional layer of safety for first responders working on roadways during emergency incidents.

Traditionally, Lubbock Fire Rescue’s engines are retired after 15 years – with 10 years in frontline response and 5 years in reserve. However, one engine has been given a second life with Lubbock Fire Rescue in being retrofitted with directional lighting, additional LED lighting, and lighted sign board in order to be placed in-service as Blocker 17. Because this blocker would typically be sent to auction after its 15 year life span with LFR, this repurposing is a cost-effective option for our taxpayers.

Based on call statistics for the calendar year of 2024, Blocker 17 will be placed at Fire Station 17. This allows for the best amount of coverage along the South Loop 289 corridor and southern part of Interstate 27.

While Blocker 17 will be operated by Lubbock Fire Rescue, it will also be available upon request to support our neighboring agencies to include:

• Lubbock Police Department
• UMC EMS
• Lubbock County Sheriff's Office
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
• Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT)