"We've outgrown the old building," said Liberty Township Fire Chief Brandon Hughes. "They have been planning and saving money for the last 10 years to make this happen."

The fire department's current station at 202 E. Liberty Road has seven bays, but newer, larger equipment acquired over the years doesn't fit there, Hughes said.

The money needed to build the new station was collected through sporadic donations from the community and local business and the township setting aside funds for the last 10 years, Hughes said.

Construction of the new station started immediately following the ground breaking as crews began to dig out a well that will be able to pump out 650 gallons per minute.

Being a primarily rural township, many times the fire department has to plan on bringing its own water to the scene of a fire to put it out, Hughes said.

It will be going to the FDNY's Family Assistance Unit, Fire Chief John McLoughlin said.

"It was well past its life expectancy," the chief said. "It hasn’t been a first line piece of apparatus for years."

The Family Assistance Unit works to assist FDNY families when there is a death, accident or serious illness in the family, according to its website. The Mack Pumper will be used for funeral processions and whenever city firefighters need it, McLoughlin said.

Tony Ashman, company president, opened the ceremonies saying the new vehicle was the result of hard work of company members, lovingly called "The Dutchies."

Ashman said that although a large portion of the cost of the new tanker pumper was made possible through an Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the Department of Homeland Security, the company has taken the responsibility of the remaining expense.

Also speaking were U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, and state Rep. Neal P. Goodman.

Commenting on the gold and black colors of the new vehicle, Cartwright said, "It's a happy day in Mahanoy City ... it's a happy day for everyone who's a Golden Bear."

The vehicle color scheme was selected in the colors of the Mahanoy Area School District's Golden Bears -- black and gold.

He also commended the volunteer firefighters, not only from the Good American Hose Company but volunteers across the country.

A video shows the dramatic moment authorities ran from the flames in fear the fire truck would catch fire.

RCMP are now investigating the three locations. There is currently no one in custody and no suspect description available.