Roxbury fire company to get new $1.3M rescue engine to replace aging apparatuses

Roxbury Fire Company No. 2 in Morris County is getting a new $1.3 million rescue engine.

It's a process that ultimately takes years to come to fruition, but one that the chief says is needed within their volunteer department. Last week, the town’s council gave its stamp of approval.

One of the company’s trucks has been out of commission and is nearly 28 years old. The other has a few years left of its life. The department says it's time for something new with the aging apparatuses.

“Public safety is No. 1 priority and it’s also personnel safety. We need a piece of equipment so we can get to where we need to get safely and quickly,” said Roxbury Chief Chris Skomial.

It's taken years of research trying to figure out what would work best for the community. Even though the purchase has been approved, the process to actually receive the apparatus is extensive. It’ll take up to three years to be delivered.

The company plans to combine two of its trucks into one due to the difficulty of receiving certain parts.

Engine 22, which is 28 years old, is already out of commission. Rescue 24 will be phased out once the new rescue engine is brought in.

“We were putting a lot of money out for repairs for these two pieces of equipment and hopefully with the one going out, it will be additional savings that we will put into the fire truck,” said Mayor Jaki Albrecht.

The town has a plan in place to put aside money each year over the next three years for the purchase.

Excitement looms over a new apparatus, but it doesn’t mean it won't be difficult to part ways with the old equipment. Rescue 24 was sent into New York City after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks to assist with rescue efforts.

“The memories,” said Skomial. “It’s hard to release those feelings. It’s not just that one incident. It's many, many calls we’ve been on together as a family, so any time we get rid of something it’s not an easy process.”

The old trucks will eventually be put up for auction. Many times, old trucks are purchased by fire departments in other countries. They will repurpose it and use it for years to come.

Roxbury's new rescue engine will come from out of state.