The brand name is the biggest difference between the two engines. Once the new Engine 165 goes into service in the next month, all LFD's front line fleet will be the same brand.

"Our new engine keeps the whole crew safer because of the emergency lights, siren and air horn. They are brighter and louder than anything we have ever had on our engines," said Capt. Tim Weaver. "This is causing people to pull to the right sooner than I have ever seen in my 30 years with the department. which keeps us safe and shortens response times to attack fires when they are smaller."

A crew of firefighters led by Battalion Chief Greg Kohn and including Capts. John Ashman and Jeremy Jones, driver/engineer Teran Moore and firefighter Shane Simmons helped design the new engine beginning in January 2015. The new color scheme switched from white over red to gray over red.

"With this being our first front line emergency apparatus with the new paint scheme, we wanted to make this special," said Fire Chief Tim Tittle. "We're really excited about it."

During the dedication ceremony, the LFD invited community leaders and members and city staff to participate in the various traditions. A new tradition was started when the Station 4 crew moved the bell from the old to the new engine. Tittle said it would be engraved with the years of service and asset number of the old engine, and when the new one is retired those dates would be added.

Weaver then used a hose with water from the old engine to give the new one its "first bath." Everyone was then invited to help dry it off. The old engine received its final radio dispatch call after Tittle officially put the new engine into service. After a prayer led by Chaplin Ken Wells, everyone pitched in to "push in" the new engine.

The new engine's first call was a vehicle crash on the northbound Interstate 35E service road.

"I could see a huge difference last night as we responded on the interstate for a pregnancy call. People were moving to the right twice as far ahead of us as with the older engine," Weaver said. "Also who doesn't love air conditioning inside a fire engine? It allows us to literally stay cool and collected while responding to emergencies."

Driver/engineer William Culpepper said there are advantages that come with the new engine.

"The emergency lights and flood lights are incredible on this new fire engine. The flood lights give me the opportunity to light up the emergency scene, which will increase the safety of everyone," Culpepper said. "I am very happy to be the driver of the new Engine 164. It is a pleasure to drive."