Lakeshore Fire Brings New Engine Into Service

Watch the “push-in” ceremony on Lakeshore’s YouTube channel

The Municipality of Lakeshore is excited to announce the addition of the new Engine 1, a 2023 Rosenbauer Commander, to its fleet of emergency response vehicles. This modern fire truck marks a significant upgrade in Lakeshore’s firefighting capabilities and underscores its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. 

On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Station 1 firefighters came together for a “push-in” ceremony. The ceremony, which saw firefighters manually push the new Engine into the fire station, is a longstanding tradition for fire departments. 

“This ceremony goes back to when fire trucks weren’t fire trucks as we know them, they were horse-drawn carts with manual pumps,” said Lakeshore Fire Chief Don Williamson. “Every time they returned from a fire call, firefighters would push these carts back into the station by hand. That tradition has carried on for when we bring new vehicles into service.” 

“The feedback we’ve had from firefighters so far has been phenomenal,” Chief Williamson added. 

“We are thrilled to introduce the new Engine 1 to the communities of Lakeshore. This state-of-the-art fire truck, equipped with the latest technology and safety features, reflects our ongoing commitment to the safety of our citizens,” said Mayor Tracey Bailey. “With its increased capacity and communication capabilities, Engine 1 will enhance Lakeshore Fire’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies.” 

Engine 1, purchased earlier this year for $840,000, boasts a substantial increase in water storage, carrying an impressive 3,785 liters of water compared to the previous Engine’s 3,028-liter capacity. The new Engine’s pump will deliver more than 4,700 liters of water per minute, which will help Lakeshore’s firefighters combat fires with greater force and control. 

Engine 1 is also equipped with the latest advancements in safety technology, improving protection for both firefighters and the community they serve. One of the standout features of the new vehicle is its ability to communicate with smart vehicles in its vicinity. This feature alerts drivers of approaching emergency vehicles, providing valuable time for them to safely yield the right-of-way. 

The acquisition of Engine 1 marks an important milestone for the Lakeshore Fire Department, as it replaces a 23-year-old Salsbury engine.