It’s the department’s newest vehicle. Rescue Engine No. 1 will go on fire calls but will also serve as a vehicle rescue unit. Firefighters, who got their first look at the truck Monday, were impressed.

 

The 2018 Pierce Enforcer Rescue Engine was purchased from Atlantic Emergency Solutions for almost $560,000. It was previously used as a demonstration model, which helped cut down on the cost, Fire Chief Marc Brade said.

Despite the damage to its building, Hopewell Hose Fire Company No. 1 was able to continue responding to calls, according to the department. No injuries were reported at station off Route 376.

Dutchess and Ulster counties were under a high wind warning from 7 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday. Wind gusts were forecast to reach up to 60 miles per hour and resulted in as many as 10,000 customers at one point without power across Dutchess and Ulster, according to Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Fire Chief Russell Wilson said he will welcome visitors and guests and introduce participants. The program will include a prayer, a cornerstone dedication by the Katy Masonic Lodge 1439, remarks by Katy Mayor Chuck Brawner and the Katy Veterans of Foreign Wars doing a flag-raising ceremony at the station. Refreshments will be served.  

“Adding this station location has already proven to be optimal when it comes to disaster,” said Wilson. “Not only is it our choice for staging our resources, but also the choice for staging of the National Guard, for several FEMA strike teams that came in and countless other rescuers that responded to Harvey.”

The department will move its high-water rescue vehicle to the station. “It’s proven to be an optimal location for deployment of resources during major flooding,” said Wilson.