The Falmouth Fire Rescue station on East Falmouth Highway will be serviced by a new fire engine later this month. The Pierce Arrow XT engine was paid for with $675,000 in capital improvement funds approved by Town Meeting in November 2014.
The engine, which was custom built for the department in Appleton, Wisconsin, arrived at Falmouth Fire Rescue headquarters on Main Street Friday morning, September 2.
With the new engine, the department is now fully equipped with six fire engines and a ladder truck, Falmouth Fire Chief Michael F. Small said. The department was down two engines late last year, this after an engine at the West Falmouth station and a spare engine in East Falmouth were taken out of service due to mechanical issues. A used engine was purchased in December to replace the West Falmouth engine.
Deputy Fire Chief Scott J. Thrasher said a seven-member volunteer committee within the fire department spent a year providing input into the design of the new engine. Among the new features include an undercarriage that is resistant to salt and other corrosive materials, a new light tower, and up-to-date restraint systems including new air bags.
Deputy Chief Thrasher said the new engine will be outfitted with radios and equipment next week, with firefighter training to follow. He said the engine could be in service the week of September 19.