PHOTO - The Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department’s new purple fire engine is in service.
In fact, it was christened Wednesday when it was called to a minor traffic accident on Ohio 7 at Hanover Street, Lt. Justin Matz said.
The custom pumper truck, which cost $488,616, was manufactured by Sutphen in Columbus, Ohio. Special shelving was installed by Fire and Marine, also in Columbus, to hold new extraction equipment used at accident scenes and other firefighting tools, such as axes.
The new pumper is replacing a 23-year-old pumper truck that is being sold by the city. Proceeds from the sale will be used to help pay off the new truck.
“We’re hoping the new truck will get us more applications for junior firefighters and firefighters,” Matz said Wednesday.