The Canaveral Port Authority has turned over the ceremonial keys to “Truck 52,” an aerial fire apparatus formerly operated by Canaveral Fire Rescue, to Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) for use in the school’s Fire Training Center.
The donation was formally recognized at a ceremony in Port Canaveral, where Port Canaveral CEO Captain John Murray and Canaveral Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Jeff Crawley presented a ceremonial key to the College’s Vice President for External Affairs, Jack Parker.
“We are proud to donate this valuable equipment to support Eastern Florida’s education and training program,” said Captain Murray. “Truck 52 served our port community well, and it will continue to be of service in preparing the next generation of firefighters and first responders for their vitally important careers.”
The port said in a press release that the apparatus, formerly known as “Canaveral Fire Rescue Truck 52,” is a 2012 model-year 75-foot Pierce Velocity ladder truck, which was purchased by the Canaveral Port Authority and operated by Canaveral Fire Rescue.
“Although this truck’s assignment is changing, its mission remains the same: serving others. We are proud to be part of the handover of this apparatus so it can continue making a difference and helping firefighters answer the call when their community needs them most,” said Chris Quinn, fire chief at Canaveral Fire Rescue.
According to the press release, the firetruck will be incorporated into EFSC’s firefighter and emergency response training programs.
In addition to offering a Fire Science associate’s degree, the college operates a fire training center, a Fire Fighter I/II Certificate Program, and Continuing Education Fire Science courses to advance firefighters’ professional skills.
“Eastern Florida State College is grateful to the Canaveral Port Authority and Canaveral Fire Rescue for the donation of Truck 52, which will help our students gain valuable hands-on experience for their future careers,” said Dr. James Richey, president of EFSC.
The Pierce Velocity ladder truck has a 2,000 GPM (gallon-per-minute) pumping capacity, a 400-gallon tank and can carry up to 1,000 feet of five-inch supply hose.
Port Canaveral has donated firefighting assets in previous years, including a Pierce Lance fire truck and a fire pumper to the Monticello Volunteer Fire Department in Jefferson County, Fla.
