Dougherty County marked a significant investment in public safety Friday as three new county-funded fire engines joined four additional engines in being officially placed into service to protect residents throughout Albany and Dougherty County.

The seven new Pierce pumper trucks were presented during a dedication ceremony attended by Dougherty County and city officials, public safety leaders, firefighters and Fleet Management personnel. The addition of seven new engines at one time represents a major milestone for the community and the result of years of planning, coordination and investment in fire protection, emergency response and firefighter safety.

At 12:03 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, Albany Fire Chief Cedric Scott officially placed all seven engines into service, making them available to respond to emergencies throughout Albany and Dougherty County.

Of the seven new engines, three were purchased with Dougherty County funding and will serve residents from:

• Station 8 — Newton Road
• Station 10 — Gillionville Road
• Station 11 — Hill Road

The strategic placement of the county-funded engines strengthens fire protection throughout Dougherty County and helps ensure modern, reliable apparatus are positioned to respond when every second counts.

Dougherty County Chairman Lorenzo L. Heard said the investment reflects the Board of Commissioners’ commitment to maintaining the equipment and resources necessary to provide dependable emergency services to county residents.

“This is what responsible investment in public safety looks like — replacing aging equipment, strengthening our emergency response capabilities and ensuring that our firefighters have the resources they need when our citizens need them most,” Heard said.

Heard said the investment is about more than purchasing equipment. It also demonstrates the county’s commitment to the firefighters who depend on that equipment while protecting lives and property.

“No matter how advanced the equipment, the greatest asset we have is the person behind the wheel and the firefighters inside that truck,” Heard said.

Fire Chief Cedric Scott said an investment of this magnitude required the collective support of elected officials, appointed leadership, Fleet Management and the community.

“A fleet investment of this magnitude and scale does not happen by accident,” Scott said. “It takes vision, collaboration and a steadfast dedication to public safety from our entire community.”

Scott also reminded residents that the new equipment represents their investment in the community’s public safety system.

“Those fire trucks parked outside belong to you,” Scott said. “Every time one of those fire trucks rolls out of the station doors, it represents your trust and your investment in public safety.”

Each new engine is equipped with a 1,000-gallon water tank and modern electrical, plumbing and hydraulic systems. The trucks also incorporate enhanced safety features, including crash and rollover protection, airbags, advanced traction control and independent front suspension.

Fleet Director Peter Bednar said acquiring the new apparatus underscores the importance of long-range planning, particularly as the fire apparatus industry continues to experience extended manufacturing timelines.

“The goal is to replace the vehicles on time so that you’re not impacted,” Bednar said. “Nothing is worse than having a fire and an engine goes to respond and breaks down halfway down the road. Every minute is absolutely critical.”

Bednar also emphasized the importance of standardizing fire apparatus. Consistent configurations help firefighters quickly locate equipment from one engine to another while allowing Fleet Management to maintain common replacement parts and return apparatus to service more efficiently.

The seven new engines are part of a broader effort to maintain and modernize fire and rescue equipment serving Dougherty County and the city of Albany. Additional apparatus are in various stages of planning or acquisition to support airport fire rescue operations, county water-supply needs and brush-fire response.

Friday’s dedication also recognized the firefighters who will operate the new engines and the Fleet Management personnel responsible for keeping the apparatus ready to respond.

With all seven engines officially in service, the new apparatus represent a substantial investment in the people, equipment and infrastructure necessary to protect lives and property throughout Dougherty County and the city of Albany.