All four fire departments within Woodlands County will receive new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment, reports TownandCountryToday.com.

The Woodlands County fire services committee in 2018 identified the equipment as needed to be replaced. The current units could no longer be repaired and they no longer meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

County officials voted 5-1 to award a tender to Brogan Safety Supplies at a cost of $345,270.97

Five firefighters and two civilians were injured in an FDNY fire truck accident, reports ABC New York.

All were treated for injuries and taken to area hospitals.

The Morrisville Fire Department has retired and donated a fire engine to the Central New York Memorial Stair Climb, reports Observer-Dispatch.

The truck had served the fire department for 10 years and will now find a new home with the Utica-based organization honoring the fallen first-responders who died at the World Trade Center during the September 11 attack.

The retired truck will be replaced by funding from a FEMA grant. The new truck is expected to be brought into service in August. The fire engine is a $900,000-plus brand-new Sutphen SL75 single axle mid-mounted aerial truck from Vander Molen Fire Apparatus Sales & Service in Ballston Lake.

The new truck will provide many technology upgrades. One of the main advancements will be the new truck’s remote control operation.

A new fire engine that will enhance public safety in District 5 was put into service at Station 52 in Pine Grove on Monday.

The new apparatus represents a more than half-million dollar investment in public safety. Following the current standard, the new Sutphen Corporation Monarch will result in increased reliability, added features and lower maintenance costs as it replaces an older model in service since 2007 and 150,000 miles on its odometer.

“Public safety is always an important priority for our residents. Having the best equipment, best training and best facilities for our first-responders is a long-standing commitment by the County Commission and one I support completely,” said Ricky Booth, the District 5 County Commissioner, where the new engine is based. “District 5 residents can rest easy knowing that these life-saving resources are being deployed in the community so that our first-responders are ready for any and all emergencies.”

Osceola Fire Rescue displayed the time-honored traditions of the fire service with a “Push-Back” ceremony. The first part of the ceremony involved washing, then drying off the new engine. Firefighters then pushed the new vehicle into the firehouse, a practice that dates back to the 19th century when horses could not properly back into the station with the wagon attached.

“I want to thank the Osceola Board of County Commissioners for their continued support of public safety,” said Chief Larry Collier. “By replacing aging apparatus in a timely manner with the best equipment possible, our firefighters will be better equipped to protect Osceola County residents and visitors.”

Continued Priority: Investing in Public Safety

In recent years, Osceola County has invested $10.3 million in new fire station properties and $22.1 million in replacement stations and a dedicated fire training facility, as well as annual commitments of $1.3 million in apparatus replacement and $200,000-300,000 in tool and equipment replacement.