Once chosen, the company will add level IIIA ballistic protection to the ambulance's front, sides and back. Level IIIA armor is typically used to protect against handgun-caliber bullets.

Gainesville first responders were involved in a dangerous active shooter situation a few years ago and want to be better prepared in the future, Gainesville Fire Rescue District Chief Shawn Hillhouse said.

"We've embedded medics with [a] law enforcement team when there was gun fire being exchanged between law enforcement and [a] suspect," he said. "We had the need to move injured people from a warm zone back to a cold zone for waiting EMS."

That's where Lowe's Home Improvement stepped in.

The station's kitchen at 518 N. Jackson St. is getting a fully-donated makeover made possible by the Lowe's Heroes Project volunteer program.

Around 15 Lowe's employees started tearing out old cabinets and appliances at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25. The crew hopes to have the renovation completed by Friday, said Jennifer Phillips, an employee at the Lowe's at 1535 Boardman Road.

The dedication will follow a long tradition of the fire service by starting with a ceremonial wet-down from a small hose line from the engine being replaced to anoint the new engine.

Once the fire engine is dried off, all firefighters and guests participate in the signature event -- the push-in to the firehouse.