Statesboro firefighters, family members, and community members gathered on April 28, 2025, to “push in” the department’s newest fire truck, Truck 1, a Sutphen SPH 100-foot aerial platform.
Although the ceremony is a newer tradition for the Statesboro Fire Department, it dates back to the days of horse-drawn fire engines, when crews manually pushed their equipment back into the station after returning from a successful call.
Statesboro Fire Chief Tim Grams addressed the crowd during the ceremony, calling the day an exciting moment for the department and the City of Statesboro.
"Today is an exciting day as we gather to celebrate the addition of the Statesboro Fire Department's newest firefighting apparatus to our fleet," said Chief Grams. "As the fire chief, it is my privilege to stand here with all of you to commemorate this special occasion."
Chief Grams thanked the firefighters, staff, and committee members who worked throughout the acquisition and preparation process, as well as city officials who attended and several members of the city’s administrative staff. He also recognized the efforts of the team who organized and live streamed the event.
The new Truck 1 is a Sutphen SPH 100-foot aerial platform equipped with modern features such as wireless remote-controlled nozzles, an integrated communication system, over 60,000 lumens of scene lighting, a 300-gallon water tank, and the ability to pump 2,000 gallons of water per minute. The truck was ordered in September 2024, along with a 75-foot quint, a combined ladder truck and fire engine, which is expected to arrive in the spring of 2026. Both trucks were funded through the 2019 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).
Chief Grams explained that the decision to purchase both trucks at once came after retiring an aging 1995 ladder truck in September 2024. The older 2013 ladder truck had ongoing mechanical issues, and with the construction of a third fire station planned, the department recognized the need to expand and modernize its fleet. The purchase totaled approximately $3 million.
Following National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, the department expects a fire engine to serve a 20-year life, 10 years as a frontline engine and 10 years in reserve, and an aerial apparatus like Truck 1 to serve 30 years, with 15 years frontline and 15 years reserve. This ensures continuous coverage even when primary units are undergoing maintenance.
Chief Grams also noted that the department’s operational strategy reflects the city’s rapid growth. Increased construction of multi-story apartments, townhomes, and commercial buildings has made having reliable aerial apparatus essential. Truck 1 will serve as a first-out vehicle for all structural fires inside the city, whether single-family homes or large apartment complexes, alongside three engines to ensure best practices for response times.
"We need to place our first piece of apparatus on the scene within four minutes, and have a full complement of staff and equipment on scene within eight minutes," Chief Grams explained, referencing NFPA standards that guide staffing and equipment levels. "Everything we do, from equipment purchases to response planning, ties back to maintaining the best practices our citizens deserve."
NFPA guidelines also influence ISO ratings, which help determine insurance costs for property owners. Maintaining strong standards helps the department uphold the city’s excellent ISO 2 classification and prepares them to defend service decisions if ever challenged.
As the ceremony concluded, Chief Grams invited all guests to help push Truck 1 into its bay, officially marking the truck’s first day of service. Afterward, attendees enjoyed refreshments, toured the new apparatus, and spoke with firefighters about the department’s ongoing efforts to meet the needs of a growing Statesboro.
"We are a strong department with a proud history," said Chief Grams. "I have no doubt that this apparatus will help us continue to build on that legacy of excellence."
