Colchester, CT, firefighters are on the cusp of getting five new apparatus after voters approved a $4.5 million bond issue, according to a report published by the CT Examiner.

On Tuesday, voters said yes to a plan to replace three engines, a tanker and a tower ladder, according to the report, that added three of the apparatus were built in the 1980s.

The money will be used to replace equipment with fractured frames, non-operational pumps and trucks that failed inspection.

A Colchester official told the newspaper some of the trucks in the fleet are not safe enough to be used in a parade.

The Carteret County Board of Commissioners recently agreed to deed 4.9 acres of county-owned land in Mariners Park in Sea Level to the Down East (NC) Fire Department so the agency can pursue a federal grant to construct a new station there, reports carolinacoast.com.

There’s a stipulation, though, that the property will revert back to the county after four years if the department doesn’t construct a new station on the site within that time. The land will also revert back to the county in the future if it ever ceases to be used as a fire station.

Officials say that, although the project is still in the early stages, the hope is it will be built on higher ground to prevent flooding and become the primary station. They also hope that, if the new station is built, the department will be able to close the existing Sea Level and Stacy stations and turn Atlantic and Davis into substations.

Officials say the existing Down East Fire Department stations—Sea Level, Atlantic, Stacy, and Davis—flood frequently, and a new station would aim to allow the department to consolidate operations.

An official says he looked into a federal grant opportunity in June via the U.S. Department of Agriculture that may be able to fund most or all of construction costs for a new station. However, he was informed that the department would need land in its own name before it could apply for the grant.

Jeanerette, LA – July 29th, 2021: Shipbuilder Metal Shark has introduced the 38 Defiant NXT, a next-generation welded-aluminum monohull pilothouse model based on the company’s popular 38 Defiant platform. The first new vessel, “Fire Boat 2,” has been delivered to Orange Beach Fire Rescue in Alabama.

Since 2011, well over 100 legacy model 38 Defiant vessels have been delivered in a wide range of configurations to fire departments, law enforcement agencies, the US Coast Guard and Navy, and multiple foreign militaries worldwide. The new 38 Defiant NXT utilizes the same proven hullform but with an entirely new topsides arrangement designed by Metal Shark’s in-house engineering team.

In addition to the recent delivery to Orange Beach Fire Rescue, Metal Shark is currently building 38 Defiant NXT fireboats for the Chicago Fire Department, South King County (Washington) Fire & Rescue, and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, which has two units on order. As with the previous generation model, the 38 Defiant NXT is also offered in configurations optimized for law enforcement or military use and may be equipped with autonomous capability through Metal Shark’s Sharktech Autonomous Vessels division.

“Redesigning one of our best-selling models at the peak of its popularity was not a task we approached lightly, but through our efforts we made significant improvements to an already outstanding platform,” said Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard. “Orange Beach Fire Rescue’s new 38 Defiant NXT fireboat and the multiple other fireboats now in production are a direct result of our goal to consistently offer the industry’s most advanced designs through ongoing product evolution.”

The 38 Defiant NXT boasts a modern arrangement with an innovative new pilothouse design. The use of Metal Shark’s signature “Pillarless Glass” significantly reduces blind spots to deliver class-leading pilothouse visibility, while a reverse-raked windshield with prominent brow shade reduces heat load and glare. An overhead skylight array offers unobstructed upwards views, helpful while operating alongside taller vessels or structures or during helicopter hosting operations. Large, quickly-sliding side windows and an extra-wide cabin door facilitate communication to crew members in the cockpit and allow quick and easy ingress and egress by firefighters wearing full gear.

Metal Shark Introduced 38 Defiant NXT Fireboat from Metal Shark Boats on Vimeo.

Twin engine-driven Hammond HVAC units provide climate control for a roomy cabin equipped with SHOXS 2000 shock-mitigating seating for three, with one seat at each console. A port-side bench seat with backrest provides additional seating with latching storage lockers beneath. A pair of large and sturdy grab rails are installed overhead, within easy reach of standing crew. For Orange Beach Fire Rescue, a full Raymarine electronics package, FLIR thermal imaging system, and positive-pressure Chemical, Radiological, Biological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) crew protection system have been provided. Meanwhile, vibration-dampening, shock-absorbing, non-skid flooring material provides additional comfort and safety.

The bow cuddy cabin is accessed via an extra-wide companionway and provides ample dry storage for gear. Fire departments such as Orange Beach Fire Rescue often choose a fully open forward cabin for maximum storage. Alternately, the cuddy may be outfitted with a v-berth, galley, and enclosed head compartment. The 38 Defiant NXT is also offered in an open-bow version.

A no-nonsense deck layout allows firefighters to p

If earmark requests from Maine’s congressional delegation are approved, Howland and Corinna (ME) would receive a total of $4 million to outfit their respective fire departments with new buildings, reports bangordailynews.com.

Officials are asking for $1.7 million in federal funding to upgrade a building in Corinna to become a working firehouse. They also asked for $2.3 million to cover the cost of a new building that would house municipal offices and fire and emergency services for Howland and the communities the town’s department covers.

Despite having a population of just 1,207, Howland—which is 30 miles north of Bangor—is responsible for fire protection in more than a half-dozen communities that covers a 250-square-mile area, officials say. They add that smaller towns are facing ever-growing costs for equipment and a lack of volunteer personnel, forcing them to turn to departments like Howland’s, which is staffed around the clock.

The Howland Fire Department provides fire services for Maxfield, Passadumkeag, Burlington, Seboeis Plantation, Mattamiscontis, Brownsville, and a few other unincorporated areas, officials say.

In Corinna, crews have long been responsible for protecting neighboring Exeter, which pays Corinna $25,000 a year for the coverage. Corinna also has mutual-aid agreements with towns including Newport, Dexter, and St. Albans, the report says.

Howland’s current station, built for a volunteer force, lacks space. Corinna’s current station has water issues and can’t fit all the equipment.