EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Miner pride is about to be on display in El Paso as the El Paso Fire Department prepares to roll out a newly redesigned, UTEP-themed Pumper 8.

The community will get its first look at Pumper 8 during The University of Texas at El Paso’s annual Sept. 11 memorial ceremony.

The pumper is expected to arrive in El Paso this week, but it will undergo final preparations before officially entering service in late September or early October.

Decked out in UTEP’s signature colors and design elements, the redesigned engine is meant to celebrate the connection between EPFD, UTEP and the El Paso community.

Once it is placed into service, Pumper 8 will be assigned to Fire Station 8 at 301 E. Robinson Ave., about two blocks from the UTEP campus. The station serves the surrounding area, responding to emergencies and providing fire and emergency medical services to residents, students, businesses and visitors.

EPFD said Pumper 8 will have the same essential capabilities as the department’s other frontline apparatus, while its distinctive design pays tribute to UTEP and the university’s roots in the community.

“Pumper 8 represents the strong connection between the El Paso Fire Department, UTEP, and the people we are honored to serve,” El Paso Fire Chief Jonathan Killings said. “This apparatus will be there when our community needs us most, and its design reflects the pride we share in this great city and the institutions that make it special.”

EPFD said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment between the department and the university to serving El Paso and investing in its future, and that once Pumper 8 begins responding to calls, its design will serve as a visible reminder of that connection.

RECOMMENDED: UTEP’s Minerpalooza returns Friday with music, family fun and food at Centennial Plaza

Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.