The Melbourne Fire Department has begun using its first heavy rescue vehicle, a move officials say will improve emergency response times and capabilities across Brevard County. The vehicle, which arrived in late 2023, is now stationed at Fire Station 4 on Mitchell Road. It is equipped with advanced tools for vehicle extrication, technical rescue, and hazardous materials incidents. Department Chief Mark Reynolds said the addition addresses a long-standing need for specialized equipment in the area. 'This vehicle allows us to handle complex incidents more efficiently,' Reynolds said during a press briefing last week. The heavy rescue vehicle costs approximately $1.2 million and was funded through a combination of city and state grants. Firefighters received training on its use earlier this year. The department previously relied on older models that lacked modern features like hydraulic cutting tools and thermal imaging cameras. The new vehicle will be used for incidents involving collapsed structures, vehicle crashes, and natural disasters. City officials highlighted the investment as part of broader efforts to modernize public safety infrastructure. The vehicle will be deployed on call, with crews trained to respond within minutes of an emergency. Residents in the eastern part of the city, where the station is located, will see the vehicle on regular patrol. The department plans to add a second heavy rescue vehicle by 2025. The arrival comes as Brevard County experiences population growth and increasing demands on emergency services. Firefighters have already conducted drills to test the vehicle's performance in simulated rescue scenarios. 'This is a significant upgrade for our team and our community,' said Captain Lisa Nguyen, who leads the station's rescue unit. The vehicle will be used in conjunction with the department's existing fleet of 35 fire engines and 12 ladder trucks.