Smithfield Fire Department Takes Delivery Of New Fire Engine

SMITHFIELD — The Smithfield Fire Department took delivery of its new Spartan fire engine on Friday, marking the end of a nearly two-year wait since the truck was ordered.

Fire Chief Jeremey Daughtry said the new engine is equipped with a 1,000-gallon water tank and a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump, providing enhanced firefighting capabilities and improved reliability for the department.

The engine replaces a 1992 International model that had reached the end of its service life and had experienced mechanical issues.

According to Chief Daughtry, over the next couple of weeks, equipment will be installed on the truck and firefighters will undergo training to become familiar with the new apparatus. He expects the engine to be operational within about one month.

The fire engine had been on order for nearly two years due to nationwide manufacturing backlogs that have affected emergency vehicle production.

Town officials previously approved the purchase as part of a long-term capital plan to modernize the department’s fleet and improve public safety.