It took 13 months to build at a cost of nearly three quarters of a million dollars, but the brand spanking new Pierce Enforcer fire engine was ceremoniously nudged into its bay at East Ridge Fire Department’s Station 2, Friday during the traditional “wash down” and “push-in” ceremony.

“We’ve come a long way,” Chief Mike Williams said of the support he has received from city officials over his 10-year tenure as chief. “It’s positive and we continue to move forward.”

Chief Williams said the new engine will go a long way in meeting the needs of East Ridge citizens and the people who visit our city.

The engine is manned by three firefighters. It will be the first piece of equipment out of Station 2 on every call on the east side of the city, Chief Williams said. And, less than 30 minutes after the “Push-In” ceremony concluded, firefighters jumped into Engine 2 and responded to a call of an “unconscious party” only a couple blocks away.

The new Pierce Enforcer replaced a well-used 2010 Rosenbauer engine. Chief Williams said that much of the equipment was removed from the Rosenbauer to go on the new Pierce. New rescue tools costing about $60,000 were added to the Pierce. Chief Williams said some of the specialty tools are used to extract victims from motor vehicle crashes by cutting through new-age metals that are used by some manufacturers.

Chief Williams said that the purchase of another engine, identical to the one just acquired, is in the pipeline. Delivery of the engine that will do its service out of Station 1 is slated for April of 2025.

“The City Council understands our needs,” said the man who will celebrate his 30th anniversary with the department next month. “I can’t thank them and City Manager Scott Miller enough for the support they’ve given us.”

If you or someone you know would like to enter the brotherhood of firefighters, Chief Williams said the department is always looking for new volunteers.