In addition to the increase in size, the new station will include various features and amenities that will allow the department to serve the community much more effectively, he said.

"We hope to see the station complete by the end of October," Anderson said. "Everything is going exactly as planned, and the doors are expected to go up this month. Our department is really looking forward to getting back in there."

The old station was built in 1981, and the flag of the old station was retired on April 8 of this year. Since that day, contractors have been at work day and night constructing the new station.

Key improvements in the new station include larger garage doors, living quarters, training rooms and a metal base. These improvements are an investment in the future of both the Brush Fire Department and the Brush Rural Fire Protection District, according to the fire chief.

Three of the department’s vehicles were destroyed by flames and falling debris. Fire Chief Teddy Stamatis was able to save a tanker truck by driving it out of the station as it came down around him.

Firefighters from nine other area fire departments responded to the four-hour fire. The Pinetops, Conetoe, Fountain, Bakertown, Speed, West Edgecombe, South Edgecombe and Tarboro fire departments all assisted in trying to save the fire station.

While some might be impressed with the new truck, Stedman said there are some serious issues with some of the department’s other vehicles.

Stedman said there are five vehicles that need to be replaced, and three of them are primary-response vehicles for the department.

Engine 9, stationed in Sturtevant and one of the department’s newest vehicles, was recently in the repair shop for a month, Stedman said.

The fire department recently donated a 1993 rescue truck to the volunteer search and rescue team in Mon County.

“Just over a year ago, we had this light rescue unit that we were looking to get rid of,” said Ethan Bailey, fire chief of the Star City Volunteer Fire Department. “We had outgrown the need of it, and were transitioning to another unit.”

They tried to sell it, but no potential buyers came forward. So the fire department decided to contact the rescue group when Bailey and others found out MARG needed a vehicle.