Submitted photo Making the trip to Columbus to check out the Western Reserve Joint Fire District’s new Engine 92 were, Capt. Sean Guy, firefighters Erika Kolar and Phil Hockensmith and assistant Chief John Walsh. Walsh signed off on the new truck and it was transported to FMI in Springfield for outfitting.

POLAND — The Western Reserve Joint Fire District is about two weeks away from delivery of its newest fire engine.

The final equipment installs are taking place over the next two weeks after which the new Engine 92 will come to Poland and be put into service.

Assistant Fire Chief John Walsh, along with Capt. Sean Guy, and firefighters Erika Kolar and Phil Hockensmith, made the trip to Sutphen in Columbus to inspect and sign off on the new vehicle.

“I went down to Columbus on Monday and Tuesday and signed off on the new truck,” Walsh said.

“The engine was then sent to FMI (in Springfield) for the installation of equipment, tools, hoses and nozzles.”

The new Engine 92 is a 2025 Sutphen and will replace the old 1997 Engine 92. Walsh said the WRJFD’s goal is to replace vehicles every 20 to 25 years.

The cost of the new fire engine came in at $714,000. It was ordered last year.

The new engine will pump water and will carry 1,000 gallons of water as well as a lot of updated tooling and equipment to handle all types of emergencies. Walsh said the district was fortunate to order it when it did.

“If we ordered the same engine today, it would cost $950,000 and that is without equipment, tools, hoses, and nozzles,” Walsh said. “Also, if it were ordered this year, we would be looking at three to four years before it would be built.”

The new engine will be housed at Station 92, 7619 Youngstown-Poland Road.

WRJFD Board of Directors member Michael Thompson said the new truck is a welcome tool for the department.

“Our dedicated firefighters could not protect our community without up-to-date, properly maintained fire engines,” Thompson said. “The district thanks the Poland community for providing the support needed to buy them, and we look forward to this engine protecting our community for many years to come.”

Engine 92 will not be the only new vehicle to join the fleet this year. A 2025 Osage ambulance has been on order and is expected to arrive in late July. Both new vehicles will be welcomed as the department completed its first year of round-the-clock staffing. According to the department’s website, personnel answered 2,288 total calls (fire and medical) in 2024.

The Western Reserve Joint Fire District serves Poland Village and Poland Township