New fire engine expected to improve response times

Nov. 7—The Lenoir Fire Department is fitted with a new fire engine that is expected to improve response times by firefighters in the city.

City officials recently dedicated the fire engine, a 2023 Sutphen rescue pumper, that cost a total of $738,900 including associated equipment, said Joshua Harris, Lenoir director of communication and public information.

The fire engine has the capacity to hold 1,000 gallons of water, the ability to flow 1,500 gallons of water per minute and is equipped with a complete set of battery powered extraction tools. The engine, which is housed inside the Lenoir Fire Station No. 2 at 1927 Norwood St., is powered by a Cummins L9, six-cylinder, 450-horsepower, diesel engine.

"Thank you to the mayor, the manager, council, the finance director, and our firefighters for making this happen," said Lenoir Fire Chief Norman Staines. "I inherited this project. It was well underway when I started, but I got to come in and see the truck delivered."

The fire engine, which would typically cost closer to $1 million, was purchased at a lower price due to its previous use as a demonstration truck, Harris said. The Sutphen fire truck was driven around the country to show off to other fire departments, he said.

The truck includes a plaque on its side in dedication to Lenoir firefighters.

"This is a great addition to the fire department," said Mayor Joe Gibbons, during the dedication ceremony. "We would like to dedicate this truck today to our city of Lenoir firefighters, who do such a great job."

The Lenoir Fire Department operates three fire stations. Station 1 is located in downtown Lenoir, at 602 Harper Ave., Station 2 on Norwood Street is located in the Whitnel area, and Station 3 is located at 1015 Wilkesboro Blvd. in Lower Creek.

In addition to the new fire engine, the fire department has two other fire engines, two ladder trucks, a rescue truck, a tower truck, three quick-response vehicles and an ambulance.

The department also has a reserve engine, Engine 11, which is expected to improve the city's Insurance Services Office, ISO, rating, Harris said.