Edgecomb Fire Rescue (EFR) is pleased to announce that our new fire engine has arrived. We are grateful to the Edgecomb Select Board for approving the purchase of a 2005 American LaFrance pumper engine at a cost of $60,000. The funds were allocated from the town’s truck reserve fund and will not impact the current operating budget.

The truck has a mileage of only 20,000 miles and was acquired from the Taymouth Township Fire Department in Michigan. A comparable new fire engine would cost between $800,000 and $1 million.

Improved functionality

The new engine will replace Engine 5, a 1991 pumper with rear open seats that are no longer compliant with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Our old Engine 5 was permitted for use under a grandfathering exemption. Our new American LaFrance engine has much better functionality and safety features:

• Has an enclosed compartment for up to 6 firefighters

• Has a larger 1,000-gallon water capacity

• Has the same 1,500 gallons per minute pump rating

• Has a built-in power-take-off (PTO) generator for auxiliary equipment

• Has foam application nozzles at front and rear for vehicle fires

Dedicated to firefighter Gavin Martin

The new engine will be named Engine 51 and dedicated in memory of Edgecomb firefighter Number 51, Gavin Martin, age 21, who died in an automobile accident in Whitefield on December 16, 2025. A formal dedication ceremony is planned for later in the spring or summer.

Next steps

The department will put the new engine in service once engine training, driver certification, and logo signage are complete. In the meantime, all are welcome to see the truck at the fire station. We also meet every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the fire station.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the department is welcome to attend.