That donation puts Currituck's program well ahead of the curve, public safety instructor Wayne Turner said Saturday before accepting the truck from Lower Currituck Fire Chief Vernon Hart. Few high school public safety programs in the area have vehicles to practice with, he said, describing the fire engine as a major asset for the high school's two-year-old public safety program.

City Engineer Justin L. Wood explained it was better to replace the entire HVAC system rather than just the 50-year-old air handlers that were still used before the fire station was converted from an old city pool back 25 years ago.

The city had planned just replacing the air handlers — blowers that move air around the building — at a cost of $200,000 until an engineering firm evaluated the system and recommended a complete redo, Mr. Wood said.

The Houston Fire Department lost 28 pieces of equipment during the storm, including six engines, which cost about $500,000 each to replace. Four “boosters," smaller trucks with on-board water supplies, are also total losses.

In a city of 2.3 million people that floods regularly, the Houston Fire Department only owns one high-water vehicle.

"Customer feedback prompted an FCA US investigation that discovered certain trucks are equipped with a water-pump bearing that, after exposure to certain conditions, may overheat and potentially cause an engine-compartment fire," the release said. "Compromised water-pump function may activate a warning light in an affected vehicle’s instrument cluster. Customers are urged to consult their dealers whenever they observe warning lights."

"When we talk about our role as government leaders, safety is always the main priority. This new engine will help provide our businesses and citizens with just that," said Mayor Jim Tom Trent. "The use of this new engine and all its features and updated technology, along with the hard work and dedication of our fire department, will go a long way in helping preserve the safety and property of the community."