A historical moment for the Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) will take place on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at Station 14 (3400 Reed Road). Beginning at 10 a.m. community leaders and staff will “push in service” FWFD’s new apparatus-Quint 14, and retire the present truck and engine.
A tradition dating back to the early 1900’s of the fire department, the Engine and Truck will be retired and driven away making room for the new apparatus. The new Quint will be “wet down” down by staff of Station14, and pushed into the apparatus bay indicating its “In Service” status. A short traditional blessing wishing the Quint, and those assigned to her a safe journey and the skills necessary to provide the best possible service to the visitors and the citizens of the City of Fort Wayne 
will be given.
“While the design and building of the Quint has been a long process, the FWFD is thrilled to be putting the new Quint in service,” Deputy Chief Eric Lahey says. “This is a historical moment for the department, the crew and citizens it will serve.”
The apparatus committee, appointed by Deputy Chief Lahey, began the design of a Quint about a year ago. Once Pierce was chosen as the manufacturer, the process of building the truck took approximately six months.
FWFD recently took delivery of the new Pierce Quint. The name Quint comes from the five functions the truck brings to the scene: pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial device, and ground ladders. While the “Quint concept” is not new, it is new to the Fort Wayne Fire Department.
“Quint 14 is the first apparatus of its kind in Fort Wayne,” Lahey says. “The new technology and features this rig affords both staff and citizens is unparallel to any single apparatus out there.”
A unique feature of the new Quint 14 is the exterior finish. While it has the same white-over-red paint as the rest of the FWFD fleet, the decals and striping are truly one-of-a-kind. During the design phase of construction, the crews at Station 14 were given the opportunity make it their own. Located across from Snider High School, Station 14 has adopted the black and gold panther logo as it’s mascot. Quint 14 features Snider-themed striping and lettering, as well as a panther emblem on its’ cab.
Lahey adds, “It is our hope the new Quint instills pride and ownership in the neighbors and citizens Station 14 serves every day.”
FWFD will host a Halloween Open House on Sunday at Station 14. From 1-3 p.m. the Fort Wayne community is invited to tour the station and see the new Quint. Safety Village personnel will also be on hand to help wrap-up Fire Safety month. This will be a fun and exciting way to kick-off Halloween festivities.
