Darien Volunteer Fire Department

The Darien Fire Department recently took delivery of two new custom-designed Pierce Enforcer engines representing the latest in firefighting capability, efficiency and safety. The pumper trucks, built by Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wis., replace two Mack engines that have been in service with the DFD for more than two and three decades, respectively.

A DFD Engine Replacement Committee helped design the new engines. Over a two-year period, the Committee undertook intensive research with other fire departments and a variety of manufacturers to choose designs and equipment that would serve Darien best. The new engines also feature the latest safety equipment to protect the firefighters who use them, including anti-lock brakes, dynamic roll protection and airbags.

The total cost of the new engines was $1 Million. One of the new trucks, Engine 41, was paid for exclusively through donations by residents of the Darien Fire District. The other truck, Engine 42, was paid for through the town’s fire apparatus replacement budget. A grant from the Darien Technology Foundation was used to equip the trucks with mapping global positioning systems to enhance response time and scene management.

“These new engines represent our ongoing commitment to providing Darien with the highest level of service and professionalism, and we are proud to have such advanced equipment for the essential work we do,” DFD Chief Doug Lockhart said. “I want to congratulate our Committee for their hard work in choosing a manufacturer of the highest quality apparatus that will stand the tests of time like our Macks. We are enormously grateful for the generous support of our friends and neighbors in the district. Without their help, this project would not have been possible.”

Engine 41, which replaces a Mack engine that has been in service since 1975, is the first response vehicle for car fires and accidents in town and on I-95. Engine 42, which replaces a 1983 Mack, is the first response vehicle for fire alarms and structure fires. It also provides mutual aid support to the Noroton and Noroton Heights fire districts in town, as well as fire departments in New Canaan, Stamford and Norwalk. To enable a seamless transition to the new equipment, training began months in advance of the delivery of the new engines.

“The new equipment will allow us to provide even better service to our community and our neighbors, while providing a safer and more efficient platform for firefighters,” said Lt. Rob Munro, who is assigned to Engine 41.

Lt. Matt Lucero, who is assigned to Engine 42, added: “There’s no question that the new engines are a big step forward, but it’s sad to see the old Macks go. They provided our community with years of solid service.”