Firefighters with the New Hanover County (NC) Fire Department dedicated a 2021 Pierce Enforcer at a virtual ceremony last week, according to a press release issued by New Hanover County Communications and Outreach department.

The press release said Engine 19 is assigned to the county’s Federal Point Fire Station, one of eight the department operates.

NHCFR Chief Donnie Hall said the new truck has a 1,500-gallon per minute pump and a 1,000-gallon tank and is equipped with many new technological features. It’s powered by a Cummins L9 450-hp engine and has TAK-4 independent suspension. It also uses the “clean cab” technology to keep dirty gear and equipment from contaminating the cab by providing storage in outer compartments for transportation back to the station, the press release said.

The new truck also carries basic extrication equipment as well as basic life support gear for medical emergencies.

Two bullets were fired into Providence, RI, Fire Department’s main street Friday night and police are trying to figure out who pulled the trigger, according to a report published by ABC 6.

No injuries were reported, the television station reported, but a front door and a window sustained damage during the incident and bullet fragments were found inside the station.

The fire station incident was one of two shots fired incidents, according to the report. The first one happened on a foot bridge connecting Billy Taylor Park and Abbott Street, ABC6 reported, adding police found numerous shell casings in the area.  There were no injuries were reported in the footbridge shooting, according to the report.

Police are using surveillance video and photos to identify a man who is accused of burglarizing a Bronx fire station Sunday afternoon (Sept. 19), according to a report published by WLNY 10/55 CBS New York.

The man allegedly got into a fire station on Melrose Avenue, near East 155th street in the South Bronx through an open gate, according to the television report.  After gaining access to the fire station, he allegedly took, an FDNY bunker coat and an FDNY radio before running off, WLNY reported. Cameras caught the man fleeing the fire station with the items in hand and police are asking for help to identify the suspect.

By Mike Ciampo

Saddle River is located in Bergen County, NJ, and is a suburb of New York City. The borough has many historic homes and large mansions sitting on acres of land. Many celebrities call it home due to the fact it is close to the city yet has a country setting. At one time President Nixon was a resident of this town. The borough is only 25 miles from the city, making it an easy commute into Manhattan. The borough is protected by the Saddle River Fire Department, which was established in 1912.

Like many early fire departments, members were summoned to the firehouse when a gong was struck with a hammer. Many of these gongs were made by heating and bending a section of railroad track into a circular ring and can still be found near many firehouses around the country today. Saddle River’s original firehouse was a barn, where members would respond with their horses after hearing the gong’s distinct alarm. The first member to hook up their horses to the wagon, which carried a tank of water, was paid $5 for the horse team’s service.

Today, the department is equipped with new and updated apparatus—a far cry from a horse-drawn wagon with a tank on it. Its new 2019 Pierce Enforcer was designed to not only be an engine but also allow it to carry rescue tools and equipment. The rescue pumper has some uniquely designed compartments as well as graphics; Fire & Safety Services, LTD of South Plainfield helped the members design—and sell to the department—the apparatus.