Longboat Key’s new fire truck is officially in service.
The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department held a dedication ceremony Monday afternoon to roll the $850,000 truck into the bay of the north-end fire station at 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
“It takes a long time and a lot of work behind the scenes before the truck is actually delivered and can go into service, but it’s also an exciting day for the community as well,” Town Manager Tom Harmer said. “This is a big deal. The protection that you provide to the community, I think, is well received.”
It was about a yearlong process to finally begin using the new custom-made new truck, which replaces the town’s 2003 model. Though the ladder truck ceremonially went into service on Monday, it has been answering calls off and on since late December.
Harmer and several town leaders attended Monday’s ceremony. It included Fire Chief Paul Dezzi and Deputy Fire Chief Chris Krajic, who was instrumental in the purchasing of the truck.