"Any time you lose a structure you have sentimental value to, there's some sadness," Roanoke Fire EMS Chief David Hoback said. "If there was any way we could do it other than this, we would have."  

The historic firehouse will come down after firefighters move out in the next few weeks, but elements from the old building will be salvaged for the new building. Bricks from the old Fire Station 7 will be used to build one of the walls in the new fire station, and the doors from the historic firehouse will be installed in the new one.

This firefighter is not an actual fireman, but rather a 1997 Pierce Saber fire engine purchased from the Zebulon Fire Department when that organization purchased multiple new trucks last month.  

The engine, which was given the service distinction of Engine 52, is capable of transporting six firefighters and 1,000 gallons of water to emergency calls and has a pump that will deliver 1,500 gallons per minute from a hydrant or other water access point.

With just under 31,000 miles on it, Engine 52 may have needed replacing in a rapidly growing town the size of Zebulon, but for a rural department like Middlesex, the truck is considered to be in its prime. Officials said it will serve residents of Middlesex and southern Nash County for many years to come without breaking the bank. 

With the warning given, Lange said the keys were turned over and trucks were located at the Iron House Storage facility on Sparta Road. They are now in possession of Bell County.

Bell County Commissioner Russell Schneider said Thursday he called the president of the fire department's board, Karen Hoelker, letting her know the county will not continue to fund the department if their contracts and memorandums of understanding are not met.