The Big John Fire Engine is a 1955 Seagrave Pumper. The Aurora Fire Department is raising money to give it some much needed TLC because it's used at community events.

“It was online until I think the mid-'80s early '90s. It’s since been put into restoration. We use it for the Children’s Hospital, the toy drive, the toy run. It’s in bad need of repairs,” Justin Julian with Aurora Fire said.

Firefighters from across the metro area brewed their own beer.

Both new fire trucks have a 1250-gallon-per-minute pump capacity and carry 750 gallons of water and 30 gallons of foam concentrate as well as all standard equipment required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Before introducing Rev. Ryan Simas, the Assistant Pastor at Saint Philip Church in Greenville who doubles as Chaplin for the JFD, Polisena again told the firefighters: “I really appreciate what you people continue to do for our town.”

Houston Fire Department Assistant Chief Ruy Lozano, who oversees the department’s fleet, blames the truck's return to service on a mix up.

Lozano said the department’s shop repaired the truck, it’s electrical system damaged by the flood water, and sent the fire engine back into service.

The fire department and study claim the stations are too overcrowded making it impossible to put important safety machines inside the stations, such as ones to help prevent cancer. Many of the stations are also not ADA compliant. 

While no decision was reached Wednesday night, commissioners say they will continue to look at the fire study. The report also encompasses information about how the department is understaffed and a need for updated equipment.