Story by Donna Thornton donna@southerntorch.com

The Fort Payne Fire Department’s newest fire truck is in the station now, about three and a half years after it was ordered.

Fire Chief Stacy Smith said it takes about three years to manufacture a pumper truck. This pumper, he said, is identical to the last pumper the department got.

Ron Safterite headed the department when the truck was ordered, and he came out to see it Tuesday.

The new truck will go to Station 2 in downtown Fort Payne. Smith said half to three-quarters of the calls for service the department receives are Station 2 calls.

The new truck replaces a 1994 model. Saferite said the national standards recommend replacing trucks after 10 years. With the new truck, other truck in the department will be shifted to other stations to enhance the service they provide.

“The citizens need reliable equipment,” Smith said.

 Saferite stressed the importance of keeping equipment that Fort Payne’s firefighters can depend on.

“If firefighters are on a call and a pumper quits, they could die,” he said. “It’s their lifeline.”

Smith said the city’s firefighters appreciate the city council for approving the purchase and helping to ensure their safety.