The Scioto Township (OH) Fire Department put Engine/Rescue 401 into service with a blessing and push-in ceremony at its station earlier this week, reports circlevilleherald.com.

The new apparatus boasts an X12 Cummins engine and is a combined engine and rescue truck which is replacing a 1998 Freightliner. A 2008 Frontline will serve as the department’s backup, the report says.

In addition, it features all battery-powered tools, new access points and storage, and more space.

Also, there’s a heat shield under the truck to protect it in the winter; the pumps are enclosed and accessed via hatch on the driver’s door; it’s the same equipment the prior truck, but better organized and 25% more space; and it holds 1,000 gallons of water and 20 gallons of foam, according to the report.

Officials say the former apparatus was costing about $30,000 a year in repairs. The new truck was paid for by the 2019 fire levy as well as the CARES Act, the former of which will also fund a new under-construction station on Walker Road.

Alexis—Catron County Apache Creek (NM) Fire Department stainless steel pumper-tanker. Freightliner M2 cab and chassis; Detroit Diesel DD8 350-hp engine; Hale DSD 1,500-gpm pump; 3,000-gallon polypropylene wet side water tank; Fold Da Tank storage top right compartment; ROM satin finish roll-up compartment doors. Dealer: Jeff Woods, Firefighter Trucks, Las Cruces, NM.

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Sutter County Station 5 in Live Oak (CA) was recently awarded a $35,000 grant to purchase new extrication equipment, reports Yahoo.

The equipment allows first responders to safely rescue crash victims trapped inside a vehicle.

The grant was funded through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Alexandria (VA) Fire Department officials Sunday temporarily put Engine 205 out of service following concerns that crews were working too much overtime.

The department is currently understaffed by 23%—281 first responders are working in a department that needs 347 members, reports alxnow.com.

The apparatus returned to service the following day.

****Public Safety Alert**** Engine 205 which serves the Old Town West, Rosemont, Eisenhower East and Southern Del Ray Neighborhoods is currently closed for the evening due to staffing shortages. Another Emergency Response Reduction due to AFD’s staffing Crisis. pic.twitter.com/JUXfyHzAvr

— IAFF Local 2141 (@IAFFLocal2141) December 20, 2021

If you live/work in the highlighted area this closure directly effects your emergency response. pic.twitter.com/ok8e5mEPvV

— IAFF Local 2141 (@IAFFLocal2141) December 20, 2021