The engine includes an large cab that allows for more space for the firefighters, and the equipment they need for various situations, including helping patients since firefighters also double as paramedics,

"It has a 1,500 gallon a minute pump, just like the rest of our fire trucks do, but this one carries 1,000 gallons of water," he said. "The reason we did that is because it serves the west side of town, which has a little more rural area. So, we wanted to be better prepared with the water."

On the back of the truck, the firefighters wanted to personalize it by paying tribute to the firefighters who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

"If you notice on the back, it says keep back 343 feet," Skinner said. "That is in memory of the 343 firefighters who were lost on 9-11; a little tribute to our fallen. It has the twin towers behind the 343. I felt that was a nice touch."

After Billings and Kirkpatrick placed an American flag on the back of the truck, Skinner invited the guests to assist in the tradition.

There have already been two runs out of the new station when personnel happened to be there, Gill said. Runs that would have taken about five minutes to get to now took less than 60 seconds.

That station will be up and running Saturday. Not everything will be finished come Saturday morning. Some furniture will come in gradually. Gill said he also is hoping to get a sign in soon, but he added a sign's not necessary to get the trucks out the door. Everything should be complete for the dedication ceremony in October.

Staff will be split between Station 551, which will remain in Lithopolis, and the newest station. Three firefighters will be at each station around the clock, and each will have one medic and one engine.

The firetruck was turning left from Bruce K. Smalls Road to travel south on Trask Parkway with its lights and sirens activated while the sedan was traveling north on Trask Parkway, Lance Cpl. Matt Southern of South Carolina Highway Patrol said the day after the crash.

Though state law allows emergency vehicles to proceed through red lights, they still have "the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons," Southern said, quoting the law (SC 56-5-760).

Williams declined to comment Wednesday afternoon, through his attorney Jonathan Krell.

The suit, received by the Beaufort County Clerk of Court's office on Aug. 22, alleges the acts which led to the incident were "negligent, careless, reckless, willful and and grossly negligent," including improper training, failing to properly observe the road and failing to comply with internal rules, procedures or regulations.

The suit was served to the county on Sept. 22 and the county does not yet have a defense attorney to handle the suit, Tom Keaveny, attorney for Beaufort County said Wednesday afternoon.

While heading to the fire, the newspaper reports that a Meridian fire engine rolled over near Hwy 105 between Choctaw and Indian Meridian Rd.

Two firefighters were ejected in the crash and had to be rushed to nearby hospitals. Fortunately, they were awake and alert.