AUGUSTA — The Augusta Fire Department on Tuesday took delivery of a 2014 Pierce Saber Rescue-Pumper. The $499,000 truck will replace a 29-year-old engine that is being taken out of service.

Augusta Fire Chief David Groder said the new engine carries 1,000 gallons of water and is outfitted with extra compartment space for emergency medical supplies, extrication equipment and other tools for technical rescue. The new rescue pumper will bring the city of Augusta back up to four engines in service.

Additional Photos

FIREFIGHTING MEMORY: Amy O’Neil, right, hugs Scott Sirois after taking the first ride on the 2014 rescue pumper that the Augusta Fire Department received Tuesday from Pierce Manufacturing. Firefighters are naming the engine after Daryl Parker Wells, an Augusta firefighter who died during a training exercise in the city in June 1987. O’Neil is the Wells’ daughter and Sirois is a firefighter/paramedic with the city of Augusta. Staff photo by Andy Molloy

FIRED UP: Augusta Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott Dunbar takes a photo Tuesday of the 2014 rescue pumper that the Augusta Fire Department received from Pierce Manufacturing. Staff photo by Andy Molloy

The new truck is named after Daryl Parker Wells, an Augusta firefighter who died during a training exercise in the city in June 1987. Wells’ daughter, Amy O’Neil, a firefighter in Freeport, helped deliver the truck to Hartford Station on Water Street.

Wells was recognized by Maine Legislature, according to the legislative record for June 8, 1987. Rep. Ernest C. Greenlaw, of Standish, addressed the House floor, saying Wells was his friend.

“I have known him since he was a young youth. He belonged to the Augusta Fire Department and was killed in the line of duty,” Greenlaw said, according to the record. “Mr. Wells’ ambition was to become a professional firefighter, that was his goal. He achieved his goal; he died a professional firefighter.”

The city’s Bangor Street fire station already bears Wells’ name.

— Staff report

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