Harrisburg Fire Department dedicates new vehicle

Adorned in red and white with "Special Operations" noted on its side, Harrisburg Fire Department's newest apparatus was dedicated on Dec. 14 at Station 1 alongside representatives from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation -- the organization whose generous donation purchased the new fleet vehicle.

Earlier this year, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awarded a $6,000 grant to the HFD, utilized in the purchase of a 1999 Daihatsu Kei class Japanese pickup truck. Deputy Chief Ken Bradey noted many features of the four-wheel drive vehicle, including emergency lighting, a five-speed manual transmission and steering on its right side as well as attaining between 40 and 50 miles-per-gallon, making it "very economical to operate."

More than a dozen members of the HFD and Town Harrisburg staff were joined by representatives from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and employees from Concord's Firehouse Subs store for the dedication event. Bradey and Captain Steven Gill presented local Firehouse Subs Franchisee Justin Scotto with an honorary fireman's hat, thanking him for the donations raised locally in his stores.

Said Bradey at the Dec. 14 ceremony, "We couldn't event get it on the ground without you guys ... We appreciate everything you guys did. It means a lot to us."

Calling the truck an "everyday vehicle," Fire Chief Bryan Dunn said its addition to the fleet will "definitely help our citizens."

Bradey later noted that the new truck has been used for many applications since its official debut at the Bank of America 500 in October. The primary function, he said, will be during special events such as races, the Town's annual Fourth of July festivities and providing EMS at local football games. The new apparatus also ushered Santa and Mrs. Claus to Veteran's Park earlier this month at Harrisburg's Christmas Tree Lighting.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation raises grant dollars through pledges and donations as well as via local restaurants -- the sale of pickle buckets, register donation canisters and the annual Fire Safety Campaign during National Fire Safety Month each October. At the December dedication, the Foundation's Executive Director, Robin Peters, mentioned that 50% of all money raised comes directly from the restaurants.

"It adds up after a while," she said, expressing her appreciation to the Harrisburg Fire Department for what they do every day to serve the community. "I know you're all thanking us, but we thank you."

For more information on the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, visit www.firehousesubs.com. To view more images of the dedication ceremony, visit http://bit.ly/s6KQGF.