MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. — The city of Mount Holly has approved funding for its fire department that will help hire 12 new firefighters and purchase two new fire trucks.
According to a release from the city of Mount Holly, the 12 new firemen will be divided between the three fire stations; each one will get four round-the-clock firemen. The delivery of the new firefighters and trucks is expected by the summer of 2024.
[ ALSO READ: Multiple firefighters respond to commercial fire in Concord ]
The city’s fire department decided to retire two of their current fire engines, the 1999 Spartan and the 2002 Smeal, because of their age and the parts needed to repair or maintain them.
The 24-year-old Spartan was the only piece of equipment able to fit in the south station beside the original engine assigned; it also served as the backup engine for the department. The 21-year-old Smeal has been the main engine at the department’s headquarters but has since been moved to the north station because they receive fewer calls.
The department said the decision to retire the two engines was to ensure the safety and efficiency of their response times. The total cost of the two new engines comes out to $1.78 million.
(WATCH BELOW: Firefighters work to extinguish fire at Huntersville dentist office)
This browser does not support the video element.