NORTH SALT LAKE—Firefighters, community leaders and families used their combined strength to “push” in a new engine at Station 82 in North Salt Lake last week. The ceremonial pushing in of the new apparatus is a long standing firehouse tradition. 

“We had a lot more participation and attendance,” said South Davis Metro Chief Dane Stone. “It was a great experience. This station is near and dear to my heart because I spent most of my career at Station 82. The old station was on Center Street and Main. It is a soft spot for me.”

The last new engine at the station was in 2007, he said. “We sold that and they’ve had a reserve engine since 2014. A reserve engine is older and not on the front line. They’re used while the other engine is getting fixed.”

Station 82 hasn’t been in a new engine in a long time, said Stone. “We’re grateful for the support from the board in funding this state-of-the art equipment. It’s great for the community. They know we need reliable emergency vehicles to respond to emergencies.”

Property tax funds a lot of the department’s capital needs, he said. “We budget from that but the board has to approve those purchases.”

The engine is made by Rosenbauer and costs about $600,000, Stone said. “They make all of our frontline engines. Our oldest is seven years. Rosenbauer makes all the apparatus similar so that tools are primarily in the same spot. That way if you’re on a different engine when you go for a saw it’s in that same bin.”

“The fire department isn’t terribly visible unless there’s an emergency,” said North Salt Lake Mayor Len Arave. “I’m glad they have this nice equipment when they’re called. If they can’t fight fires properly it not only affects that home but if it spreads it can affect multiple homes.”

Station 82 is different because they have to go up and down steep grades, he said. “They have to have an engine that is more powerful. They’re finally getting an engine that will support that.”

The whole county is changing paramedic service, Arave said. “There will be tax changes and an increase in rates to cover it but the county will be lowering theirs. We want to give them what they need and stay responsible at the same time. It’s a fine line.”

It’s important to have the proper equipment, he said. “Minutes really matter. A minute or two can save a life.”