The Decatur (AL) Fire Department is close to having the grand opening for its newest $3 million fire station that will replace one built in 1962, according to a report published by WAAY31 ABC.

According to the report, the department is set to have a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 8 after some supply chain issues caused delays on the construction.

The biggest, most noticeable difference between the two station is the sheer size of the new facility which is built to accommodate modern apparatus and allow the firefighters to drive through the bays to avoid backing into the stalls, according to the report.

Other improvements include separate rooms for each firefighter and accommodations for people with disabilities.

While the building is essentially in service, there remains some touch up issues to finish as well as some additional furniture to be delivered, according to the report

There are some touch-ups left to do and they’re waiting on some furniture, but the firehouse in now in service, according to the report, which also stated the ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 1:30 pm on September 8.

A new pumper-tanker fire truck, Number 882, was added to the Cramahe (Ontario, Canada) Fire Department fleet earlier this month, according to a fire department Facebook posting.

To retain fire department accreditation, a certified pumper replacement was required in 2023. Preliminary cost estimates came in at over $720,000 — with a 1.5- to 2-year waiting period due to supply chain issues.

“Cramahe Fire Chief Mark MacDonald and former interim Fire Chief Bruce Greatrix showed real initiative,” Cramahe Township Mayor Mandy Martin says. “They went on a national hunt and located a 2021 demo unit with full warranty (15,000 km) in British Columbia. The unit has never been in service. It was a demo unit which travelled to trade shows across Canada.”

The new pumper tanker sticker price was $530,000. Final cost is $604,000 with taxes, upgrades, delivery and decals included, funded through reserves — a $200,000 saving from the original estimates.

Presented with this information, Cramahe Township council unanimously approved the purchase.

“This tanker holds twice the capacity of the other Cramahe tankers,” Chief MacDonald says. “It enhances our ability to ensure adequate water supply at fire scenes. Further, Cramahe Fire Department now matches the large capacity equipment of our neighbouring departments which aids greatly in cycling tankers at mutual aid scenes.”

Firefighters are currently receiving training on the new truck which is based out of the Castleton Fire Station.

It will be about two years for Gretna (VA) Fire and Rescue firefighters to receive the apparatus they recently ordered, according to a report published by WSET 13 News.

According to the report, firefighters unveiled the plan to purchase the new heavy-duty rescue pumper from Pierce which will boast seating for up to eight firefighters and 750-gallon water tank.

The Hawkins County (TN) Board of Education recognized and thanked Justin Nance and Andrew Bean of the Lakeview (TN) Volunteer Fire Department and Chief Laroy Brandt and members of the North Tazewell (TN) Volunteer Fire Department for the recent donation of a working fire engine to the Cherokee High School Fire Management Services program, according to a Facebook post from the school district.

Members of the North Tazewell and Lakeview volunteer fire departments joined by Director of Schools Matt Hixon, Cherokee High School Fire Management Services instructor Doug Wood, and CTE Director Brandon Williams.