“The DNR [Department of Natural Resources], in conjunction with the military, [gives out] some of their surplus equipment,” said Hillsdale Township Fire Chief, Mike Rose. ”[As] fire departments, we can apply to them for equipment that they have.”  

Hillsdale Township Fire applied for a Navy semi-tractor that had racked up less than 300 miles since it was built in 1992. They received the truck, and in the next year will outfit it to function as a tanker.

“We’re going to have the frame stretched out and we’re going to put a water tank on it,” said Rose.

Those carcinogens, including soot, diesel exhaust, benzene and formaldehyde, stick to their coats, helmets and boots.  

When firefighters ride back to the station in their turnout gear, those harmful compounds circulate in the air they breathe.

“With the push for cancer prevention in the fire service, we needed something to bring back our contaminated equipment from fire scenes, and not have to put it back in the cabs of our fire trucks,” said Fire Chief Justin Edwards. “After our firemen decontaminate on the scene, and clean themselves up as best they can out there, we don’t want to have to put that dirty equipment back in the trucks.

Its new engine was just given its official number Wednesday afternoon.  

“It's unique, but I’m excited that we have something up here,” said Norterra resident and community advocate Julie Read.

The City of Phoenix bought land at I-17 and Jomax in 2006 for a permanent fire station to serve the Norterra neighborhood. But after the economy crashed in 2008, it could not afford to build one.