MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- The Miramar Fire Department received a new custom fire engine last month.

The fire engine, sought out by Miramar firefighters to better meet their needs and to replace an aging fire engine, cost more than $300,000.

“A committee made of engineers, captains and firefighters, did research and surveyed the different (on station) fire departments on what they like and dislike about their fire engines and what they would change,” said Jerry Sack, fire chief of the station Fire Department. “Then the committee put together a list to help meet our specific needs and requirements.”

New lights allow for increased visibility, mirror placement allows the driver to see better while going in reverse. Roll up compartment doors provides easy access to necessary gear, a problem with the bulky, older, hinge-styled doors, explained Douglas Bouck, an engineer with station Fire Station 61.

The back seats now face forward to prevent firefighters from straining to see the situation they are approaching.

“The motor also has 10 percent more horsepower than the other engines,” said Doug Fairbanks, an engineer with Miramar Fire Station 61.

The increased horsepower will help the fire department reach anywhere on base in five minutes or less, said Bouck.

The normal life-cycle of a fire engine is 12 to 15 years, but the fire department’s oldest one is from 1983 and was driven down from Tustin, Sack explained.

“The new engine is taking the place of the (old fire engine), but we still have three engines from 1985,” said Sack. “Due to the dedication of our firefighters and mechanics, our fire engines go well-beyond their life expectancy.”

The new and improved fire engine serves as a flagship for the fire department and their supreme performance.