The Clayton Fire Department is making sure the future of fire service stays strong by donating a retired fire apparatus to Johnston Community College (JCC). This rig isn’t just a piece of equipment. It’s a valuable training tool that will shape the next generation of firefighters – some of whom may one day serve the Town of Clayton.
Clayton Fire Chief David Ranes spoke to the impact of the donation, emphasizing the department’s commitment to firefighter education. “This truck may no longer be in frontline service for us, but it still has work to do,” he said. “It will help train future firefighters who could very well be answering calls in our own neighborhoods in the coming years.”
The apparatus, a 2006 model that served the department for 19 years, has been a dependable part of Clayton’s fire response. With the department recently adding a 2024 Pierce engine to its fleet, the older truck was ready for a new mission. Instead of retiring it permanently, the department saw a greater opportunity – to give it a second life in training those who will one day wear the uniform.
JCC President Vern Lindquist highlighted how much the donation means to their program. “This is a game changer,” he asserted. “State budgets don’t allow us to purchase equipment like this, so we rely on partnerships. Thanks to the Clayton Fire Department, our students will be able to get hands-on experience with real-world equipment. It’s something that makes all the difference in preparing them for the job.”
At JCC, the fire truck will be used for interactive training exercises, drills at local fire stations, and even mechanical training for diesel technology students. “It’s as close to real-world firefighting as you can get,” Lindquist said. “Our students will be ready to step into the field with confidence because of donations like this.”
The partnership between Clayton Fire Department and JCC has a direct impact on Clayton’s future emergency response. Over the years, multiple JCC graduates have joined the Clayton Fire Department, including three recent hires. Chief Ranes sees this donation as a long-term investment. “When we support JCC, we’re supporting our own future,” he stated. “Some of the firefighters training on this truck today could be the ones responding to calls in Clayton just a few years from now.”
Mayor Jody McLeod, Councilmember Andria Archer, and Councilmember Gretchen Williams joined representatives from JCC and the fire department at the donation event, showing the Town of Clayton’s dedication to public safety and workforce development.
By giving this fire truck a second life, the Clayton Fire Department isn’t just passing along equipment; it’s passing along experience, opportunity, and a commitment to keeping communities safe for years to come.
For more information about the Clayton Fire Department and its equipment, visit townofclaytonnc.org/fire.
