The funding for this new engine was approved before the First Coast News investigation aired. However, since it aired, the county commission approved another new piece of firefighting equipment, a 4-door pumper truck, which will be ready in 2018.

“We are very excited about this new engine,” Crews said in a statement.

“This vehicle replaces an older, more costly to maintain engine that has served its purpose and will now fall into a back-up position with much less use.” 

Plans to build a new station next to the memorial go back to December 2014. It was part of a 20-year plan to renovate and build new police and fire stations. 

Tippett hopes the new station will help provide better service to the community while honoring the Charleston Nine. 

"The presence of the station will probably be a larger symbol," he said. "It will become a commanding visual when you're driving up and down Savannah Highway and project to the community that we're there."