The New Bedford Fire Department Is in Sad Shape [OPINION] The New Bedford Fire Department's new quint apparatus is in the shop for unspecified reasons and is not ready to be pressed into service any time soon, according to New Bedford Firefighters IAFF Local 841 President Billy Sylvia. The $250,000 truck is supposed to replace Engine 8 when it is eventually taken out of service. The Mitchell Administration has delayed the mothballing of Engine 8 several times and has even asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a SAFER grant to keep the piece operational. Sylvia told me the 15-year-old quint, purchased by the city earlier this year, must still have a radio system installed once it leaves the shop. He said the firefighters who will eventually operate the quint have yet to be trained on it. At best, the quint is weeks away from replacing Engine 8.