The Kent Fire Department (KFD) recently moved back into its Station 2 after an expansion project, and the department is inviting everyone to help celebrate.

On May 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., KFD is hosting an open house for all.

Groundbreaking for the project began last July, and officials say the work was slightly delayed by supply-chain issues and cost approximately $680,000. The project has been in the works for about five years, according to a report in record-courier.com.

The expansion includes a remodeled kitchen that was increased about 110 feet and the addition of a gear room and an ambulance supply room, the report notes.

The Panama City Fire Department plans to add a $1.7 million aerial to its fleet, reports WMBB.

City officials approved a loan for the purchase. They will pay it back in five or six years at a low interest rate, the report says.

A suspect is in custody after firing shots at a Fort Worth Fire Department training facility and station Tuesday, reports WFAA.

Fire officials say around 3:30 p.m. a suspect driving a white Ford Taurus fired shots at the Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex at 505 West Felix, at which about 30 personnel were training. They add that about five shots hit the building, but no injuries were reported.

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The suspect then drove to Fire Station 17, less than a mile away, and fired three more rounds, again hitting the facility, the report notes. Police were called, and the suspect was taken into custody.

Neither the suspect’s identity nor his motive have been released.

The Unity Fire Department is still in need of a new ladder truck after its old one was destroyed in 2019, reports foxbangor.com.

FA reported that during an emergency call on July 4, 2019, the 1980 American LaFrance ladder truck blew a radiator hose, and repairs didn’t make fiscal sense. The department bought it in 2009 from the Hamilton (MA) Fire Department for $5,000.

The town Tuesday voted to purchase a new ladder for the department, which is doing its part for the new fire truck via fundraising. It’s looking to chip in about $50,000 toward the new rig, $6,000 of which has come from recent fundraisers, the report says. To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/c77f6hbk.

Earlier: Unity (ME) Fire Department Raising Money to Replace 1980 American LaFrance Ladder Truck

Officials say, after approval, they’re looking to purchase a fire truck located in Dixfield. Its total cost would be $1.2 million dollars; taxpayers will be responsible for the remainder.

The department has three used fire trucks up for sale, and one can be found here. 

The Cincinnati Fire Department says it anticipates taking delivery of a new fire truck and two new ambulances—apparatus totaling $1.1 million, reports wvxu.org.

Department officials say their budget is a mess, which has slowed station and apparatus replacement projects. Its fleet has some fire trucks that are more than 20 years old, the report notes—with one vehicle that’s even older than some crew members.

The purchase would be in addition to the regular budget, and the funds would come from via the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. City council is expected to approve the purchase in the coming weeks, according to the report.

Once ordered, a new fire truck can take up to 18 months for delivery.