North Haven welcomes a new fire Engine 7

The North Haven Fire Department has welcomed a new "2012 Smeal brand Class A Fire Engine" at the Northeast Volunteer Fire House on Washington Avenue, according to a release.
"A small ceremony was held at 0900 hours attended by firefighters, citizens and other local dignitaries," the release said.
"North Haven Fire Chaplain Jim Detweiler provided a prayer and presented a framed picture of Engine 7 with a scripture blessing the apparatus and firefighters that will respond with it."
The engine will replace the current Engine 7, which is over 20 years old, the release said.
The North Haven Fire Department will keep the older apparatus as a reserve and designate it as Engine 3, the release said.
"The new Engine 7 will serve as a front line apparatus for Northeast Company 4. This is the first Smeal brand produced fire apparatus in the entire fleet and which was manufactured in Snyder, Nebraska."
Further, this "will be the first time in a number of years that the North Haven Fire Department will maintain a reserve apparatus. Having a reserve apparatus available will allow replacement of front line apparatus during routine maintenance. It will also be available during prolonged or significant incidents when additional personnel are required to respond to the scene balanced with maintaining enough apparatus in town for additional emergencies that occur simultaneously," the release said.
The North Haven Fire Department also thanked North Haven residents "for funding the purchase of the new Engine 7. The support we receive from our citizens is imperative in ensuring public safety and emergency readiness at all times."
In the photo:l to r, Fire Commissioner Michael Zuccarelli, Fire Commissioner Peter Criscuolo, Chairman Pasquale Nuzzolillo, Fire Chief Landisio, Fire Chaplain Jim Detweiler and Northeast Capt Robert Santora.

Editor's note: All information and the photo in this post were contributed.