Alpharetta Puts New Fire Truck in Service

Alpharetta's newest fire engine was christened today in a traditional firefighters' ceremony involving both the new and old Engine 2 trucks at .

The accompanying video shows the two parts of the ceremony. First, the engine that's being retired is used to wash down the new engine's tires. After that, the engine's crew–with help, as fire trucks weigh a lot more today than when traditions began–push the new engine into its bay at the fire station.

The new truck, a 2012 Pierce Velocity Pumper, 500HP, is capable of pumping 2,000 gallons of water per minute. It has advance life support equipment. Seating six, it has advanced traction for snow and ice. It has an MSA high definition thermal camera to help identify hot spots in homes. The cost was close to $500,000, and the truck was funded through Alpharetta's capital budget.

Gary D. George, director of Alpharetta Public Safety, says, “Our new fire engine will replace one that has reached its service limit. I am equally pleased our citizens will benefit by this valuable addition and I commend the Mayor and Council for their continued public safety support.”

George and Deputy Director Keith Sanders both said the city switched to Pierce equipment because they had too many problems and expenses with other models breaking down, putting them out of service for six months or more.

The new truck is expected to last 10 to 15 years.