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A one million dollar federal grant will help the City of Stockton replace some aging fire engines. The need is great, and safety has been a growing concern.
Half of Stockton's fleet of 16 fire engines is more than 20 years old.
Breakdowns are so common that mechanics ride along on emergency calls.
Now a one million dollar FEMA Assistance Grant to Firefighters will pay for two new engines.
Stockton Fire Chief Jeff Piechura says delays can mean the difference between life and death.
PIECHURRA: "When someone is not breathing, biological and brain death is occurring at 5-7 minutes depending upon the condition of the person, so time is of the essence in some cases."
In January, a bankruptcy judge gave Stockton approval to purchase 4 new engines because of the concern for reliability.
The city hopes to have the first new engines in service by mid-April.
