April 21, 2010 -- Livermore Station is pleased to announce the addition of a 1988 Emergency One Cyclone series fire pumper engine. This apparatus joins the Fire Trucks 4 Hire family at the Livermore location and will be responding to calls as our Engine 3.

Prior to joining Livermore Station, the engine served 22 years in public service in a central North Carolina city of 26,500 people. The rig originally was marked as Engine 522, served a bit of time as Engine 521, and when the city re-numbered the apparatus city-wide, simply became Engine 2. After the most valuable equipment was removed to re-use in the city, the engine was placed on eBay for sale, where the management of Livermore Station were able to become the high bidder, and set the process in motion to get Engine 2 (3) to its new home.

The engine was driven the 2,725 miles across country, though with pleasant spring-like weather during the majority of the journey, following the relatively direct drive along Interstate 40. The apparatus arrived two weeks after the purchase date, and began its refurbishment process to make it ready for use in its new home on the other coast. Its more modern design means we have the usual heat option for colder weather, but have -- for the first time -- air conditioning in an apparatus that isn't activated by rolling down the windows. This engine, like most other engines in the Fire Trucks 4 Hire family, also carries up to 500 gallons of water on board, pumped from a 1,500 gallon-per-minute pump.

The engine is currently being cleaned, serviced, and outfitted with equipment. Engine 3 will take on a focus of project work, with Engine 2 and Quint 59 continuing in their party and parade focus. Truck 61, our large, two-driver tiller ("hook-and-ladder") is a specialty piece that makes a fantastic parade float alternative for your organization. Rescue 71 working in a support role to assist in special assignments, and provide crew quarters on-scene during events.

When you're ready to schedule us to come visit your next event or activity, Engine 3 -- or one of our many other apparatus in stations throughout California -- will be ready to come make your plans a reality!

(And if you need some nifty custom made-to-order graphics, we use and highly recommend Sign Specialist -- a fantasic family-run business that puts our project -- and yours -- as the top priority... heck, nearly every order we've ever placed ships within 24 hours!)