Tolland Says Goodbye To Longest-Serving Fire Truck

TOLLAND, CT — Over the weekend, the Tolland Fire Department said goodbye to the longest serving fire apparatus to serve the town to date.

Engine Tank 540, a 1987 GMC General Middlesex pumper, served Tolland for 35 years. Assistant Chief Carl Dojan was the first to drive the truck back in 1987 and was the last to drive it out of the bay.

Tolland fire officials said Engine Tank 540 was originally designated as Engine Tank 440 and served out of the Plains Road firehouse (Station 440). In 2005, Engine Tank 440 was re-designated as Engine Tank 540 and served out of the Gehring Road firehouse (Station 340), officials said.

"You served the town well and will be missed being driven and pumped. Enjoy retirement in North Carolina," fire officials said in a tribute to the truck.

The truck is not going to some forgotten garage. Three members of the Walnut Fire Department in western North Carolina traveled more than 1,600 miles in 48 hours to get the truck and bring it back.

"We are proud to show off our new addition the fleet here at Walnut Fire Department," Walnut Creek fire officials said. "The addition of a shorter, rated truck, will increase Walnut Creek's ability to access tight driveways without wasting precious minutes dragging hose, and was extremely cost effective compared to the cost of a new piece of fire apparatus. Purchasing an older commercial chassis, such as this, also comes with the benefit of being easier, and cheaper, to service and maintain. Walnut Fire Department would like to extend our thanks to Tolland Fire Department for the opportunity to purchase this outstanding rig."