Classes are underway at old Fire Station 3.  Taught by a former Abilene Fire Fighter who worked for the department for almost 22 years, the academy takes the lecture from the classroom out into the field. 

"We have an old fire truck here. We are able to pull it out and spray water. we are able to put on bunker gear, we are able to get out ladders and do all the things that you would do at a fire station," Miller said.

According to North Smithfield Fire and Rescue Services Chief David Chartier, the $550,000 engine arrived the day before Thanksgiving to replace a 17-year-old engine previously based out of the St. Paul Street Station. The new arrival brings the town’s total fire engine fleet to three, with two frontline engines and the old engine kept on at St. Paul Street Station as a spare.