North Haven Fire Department Welcomes Its New 'Engine 7'

The North Haven Fire Department has added a new member to its fleet.

The department officially welcomed a new 2012 Smeal brand Class A Fire Engine at the Northeast Volunteer Fire House along Washington Avenue on Saturday.

'Front Line Apparatus'

"The new Engine 7 will serve as a front line apparatus for Northeast Company 4," North Haven Fire Lt Paul Januszewski stated in a press release announcement the new engine's arrival.

Januszewski noted that is the first Smeal brand produced fire apparatus — which was manufactured in Nebraska — in the entire fleet.

Welcoming Ceremony

A small ceremony was held Saturday morning, which was attended by firefighters, citizens and other local dignitaries.   

North Haven Fire Chaplain Jim Detweiler provided a prayer and presented a framed picture of Engine 7 with a scripture blessing the apparatus and firefighters that will respond with it.

Reserve Engine

This engine will replace the current Engine 7, which is more than 20 years old.

However, the department will keep the older apparatus as a reserve truck, and designate it as Engine 3, Januszewski said.

This will be the first time in a number of years that the North Haven Fire Department will maintain a reserve engine, according to Januszewski.

"Having a reserve apparatus available will allow replacement of front line apparatus during routine maintenance," Januszewski stated.

In addition, the lieutenant said the truck will also be available during "prolonged or significant incidents when additional personnel are required to respond to the scene," balanced with maintaining enough apparatus in town for additional emergencies that occur simultaneously.

NHFD Thanks Residents

"The North Haven Fire Department would like to thank the citizens of North Haven for funding the purchase of the new Engine 7," Januszewski stated. "The support we receive from our citizens is imperative in ensuring public safety and emergency readiness at all times."