Saturday, August 15, 2026

Nature:  Indian River Houses New Apparatus – Long Neck Facility

Location:  Station 2 – Long Neck facility

On Saturday, August 15^th, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company hosted an Open House - Truck Housing Event for the acquired apparatus housed at the Long Neck Station.

This event was in conjunction with the Station Dedication which was intended to highlight the new station as well as the new apparatus that will be housed there.  The apparatus blessing and housing included the following apparatus:

1.  Engine 80 is a 2024 Pierce Saber 7000 Cab & Chassis - Custom Pumper acquired to replace a 2007 Spartan 4-Guys Custom Pumper.  Engine 80’s acquisition cost was $839,950 and procured via Atlantic Emergency Solutions.

2. Squad 80 is a 2024 Pierce Saber 7000 Cab & Chassis – Custom Pumper acquired to replace a 2001 Spartan 4-Guys Custom Pumper.  Squad 80’s acquisition cost was $914,490 and procured via Atlantic Emergency Solutions.

3. Brush 80 is a 2024 Ford F-550 Super Duty 4-door crew cab with a Buckstop Super Single Conversion off road suspension package and was acquired to replace a 1999 Ford F350 Super Duty 4-door crew cab.  Brush 80’s acquisition cost was $249,950 and procured via Atlantic Emergency Solutions.

4. Traffic Control 80 is a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Double Cab Utility Body Truck acquired operate as a traffic control unit.  Traffic Control 80’s acquisition costs was approximately $117,000 and acquired via a Community Transportation Funding allocation via our elected officials.

A fire company truck housing ceremony is a historic tradition where firefighters and community formally welcome a new emergency into service by physically pushing the unit into the fire station together.  The ceremonial push for each apparatus was lead by:

• Engine 80 – Michael Bowden

• Squad 80 – Charles Johnston

• Brush 80 – Derrick Pry

• Traffic Control 80 – William Tobin

Illustrated herewith are photos of these ceremonial practices.