Hartley VFD was able to retire a 1978 water tender from its fleet. The new tender carries up to five firefighters with self-contained breathing apparatus capability in the back seat and a foam injection system.

“We have a lot of response calls for hay and cotton module fires,” White said. “The foam is made to help cut the oxygen supply to the fire and allows for a faster knockdown.”

The tender will primarily carry water to the scene of a fire but will also be used for traffic control and to house rescue tools.

The department replaced Fire Station 15, one of the busiest stations in the county, with the new 10,788-square-foot facility on Scenic Highway. The three-bay station has engine, ladder and medic units; sleeping quarters for 12 firefighters and a battalion chief, a kitchen, dining area, dayroom, fitness room and storage areas.   

The department has 31 stations across the county, enabling it to serve all 437 square miles of Gwinnett. Its headquarters is in Lawrenceville.