Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department will be at Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Avenue) at 2:00 o'clock this Wednesday, afternoon (10/25/2017) to unveiling a restored steam fire engine along with a brand new 100-foot aerial apparatus.

NewsRadio WGNS saw the 100-foot aerial truck being tested, and it stands out--not only because of its height, but the ladder is lined with hundreds of blue LED lights.

Chief Mark Foulks said, "We are excited to have these two pieces of equipment on display for our city leaders, members of our department, and the community on Wednesday. To have these two apparatus side-by-side at the historic Oaklands Mansion will truly be a sight to see!"

100-Foot MID-MOUNT AERIAL

Funds were allocated in the 2016 CIP for replacement of the department's 1977 Snorkel truck with equipment. With City Council's approval, the Sutphen company was selected to build the custom 100-foot mid-mount aerial after completing the bid process. The apparatus will be the frontline engine for the future Station 4, but will be housed at Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department's Special Ops station (Station 7 located on N. Thompson Lane) until new the station is built. This apparatus will enhance aerial coverage for the city and help the department maintain its ISO 2 rating.

STEAM ENGINE

The 1892 Ahrens steam fire engine was the City's first piece of firefighting equipment. For years, it was stored in one of the sheds at Cannonsburgh Village.

Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department wanted to have the historic engine restored for use as an educational tool, but also to be displayed at parades and other community events. Due to its fragile condition, the engine had to be lifted by a crane and transported via a flatbed wrecker to Mid-South Emergency Equipment to undergo the restoration process.

Many laborious hours were spent welding, restoring and fabricating metals, painting, repairing the pump, wood working, brass polishing, etc.