Dive Rescue 21, now housed at Fire Station #1, went into service Wednesday.

"The goal was to design and build a vehicle, which would give divers the ability to get in the water faster and more efficiently. We accomplished our goal by using an old ambulance, which gives us a larger amount of space within the rear compartment and allows each of the nine divers to have their equipment in a constant state of readiness. When it comes to water emergencies, time is critical, and every second counts," said Fire Captain David Smrha.

The money taken from the pop machine helps pay for firefighter uniforms, including shirts they wear while working in the community.

The emergency radio was used as a way for a firefighter to get to where he is needed to help. That firefighter was inside the station, just feet away, at the time working on one of the department’s trucks needed to be in use that night.

The aircraft and its crew were also issued clearance cards by Cal Fire, Wheeler said, meaning inspections were passed.

It was not immediately clear when or where the converted Boeing 747 will make its appearance. In July, CBS News reported the plane remained grounded by the U.S. Forest Service as it had yet to receive a contract from the federal agency.

"It's more the norm rather than the exception," said Fire Chief Michael Mansfield, referring to the blessing of fire trucks. "I'd been advocating for clergy to be involved with our organization for probably the last 10 years and finally we were able to get this to fruition. The impetus to bring in the chaplains was to have two people with the clergy have a better relationship with the men and women that are in the department.