By: City Manager John W. Feary

This week, our Claremore Fire Department became the proud new owner of Fire Engine 3. Replacing an older 2002 truck, Engine 3 will be put into service as soon as the crew receives the familiarizing training and equipment is transferred to operate the new engine.

A new fire engine is exciting for our City, but its real value is about ensuring our firefighters have the equipment needed to safely protect the public.  I am grateful for our partnership with the men and women of the Claremore Fire Department.   Proudly serving the citizens of our community for more than 100 years, the department began with just a horse-drawn pumper and a handful of dedicated volunteers.  Today, the department has evolved into a full-time professional organization with state-of-the-art equipment and the expertise to handle the wide variety of emergencies that we face today.

From disaster preparedness, to medical response, to serving as educators, firefighters do a lot of behind-the-scenes work to keep our community safe.

Claremore Fire Department’s excellent service, equipment, training hours and station locations, along with the City’s water distribution, have allowed many benefits for our citizens, businesses and travelers just passing through. Last year, the Department averaged a 3-minute, 42-second response-time within the city limits and responded to 1,573 incidents.

Leaders of the Fire department are working to formulate a plan aligned with our budget parameters that will improve operational preparedness through training and equipment over the next few years.

When you see Engine 3 around town, I hope it reminds you of the people behind the equipment who keep us safe!

All the best,

John