City of Surprise fire department donates engine to local high school

PHOENIX – A West Valley high school received a shiny red donation for its fire science program this week.

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department on Wednesday gifted Valley Vista High School with a retired engine, according to a city press release.

The truck is a 2006 EONE Cyclone Pumper that was taken out of commission as required by the city’s replacement policy.

The engine, which has a 1500-gallon-per-minute pump and seats up to six crew members, had operated out of three different stations.

The donated engine is not the one recently taken out of service by the city in a move opposed by the Surprise Firefighters Association, Chief Tom Abbott told KTAR News 92.3 FM in an email Thursday.

“The truck that was donated will hopefully provide educational experiences to many high school students that are interested in the fire service as a career for many years to come,” Abbott said.

Valley Vista High School’s fire sciences program offers two classes as well as internships with Surprise Fire-Medical.

The donated truck will provide students with the opportunity for hands-on training.

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