Darlington Fire Department dedicates new fire truck
The Darlington Fire Department held a dedication ceremony February 20, welcoming a newly acquired 2016 HME Ahrens Silver Fox fire engine to their vehicle fleet. The new truck replaces two older vehicles, which both date to the 1980s, and DFD Chief Pat Cavanaugh says the new engine’s reliability will allow it do perform the duties of two retired trucks.
“It has a six-man cab, it will be more efficient running one vehicle versus two, and this truck will do the job as well as the other two, if not better,” Cavanaugh says.
Acquired for $356,000 (reduced from retail of $456,000) from HME First Class Fire Apparatus of Charlotte, the truck purchase had the full support of Darlington City Council, Mayor Gloria Hines, and City Manager Howard Garland – all of whom Cavanaugh thanked during his dedication speech.
Mayor Hines praised the hard work, dedication, and positive attitudes of the DFD members, and Chief Cavanaugh finished up with a message to his firefighters.
“Even though we’ve made some major improvements, the journey is not over. New goals are being discussed every day with our command staff. Our goal is to make this department the best that we can,” Cavnaugh said. “I want you guys to use this truck as a symbol of pride in everything you do… I appreciate all of you and I thank you.”
DFD Chaplain Frank Stoda used water from one of the retired engines to bless the new truck, and a group of Darlington Fire Department retirees joined Howard Garland to throw buckets of water over the city fleet’s newest addition.