KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Fire Department is set to donate a former firetruck to Fulton High School on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m., according to the city.
The city first approved the donation of the firetruck on Oct. 31. for educational purposes. A Memorandum of Understanding was entered on Jan. 24, 2023, between the Knoxville Fire Department and the Board of Education to allow donations, provide information and make presentations to Fulton High School's Fire Service Education Program.
“What a great way for the city to pay it forward," Mayor Indya Kincannon said. "This fire truck has served the city well for years, and now it will be used to educate and shape the future of young Knoxvillians. This is just another way the city is forging partnerships with our schools and working to recruit the next generation of first responders in Knoxville."
Fulton High is one of eight high schools that are part of the 865 Academies initiative, which aims to empower high school students with the necessary skills to allow them better integration into the working world.
“We are excited about this program as it fosters young potential firefighters and EMTs right here in Knoxville," Chief Stan Sharp said.
According to the city, the firetruck will be a permanent part of the school’s program and will provide real-life experience to the students; it will be used as a learning tool by the students in the program.
The truck is a 1997 Emergency One Hurricane Pumper with a 500-gallon water tank that once served the Bearden Community as Engine 18.
"This truck will allow students to apply classroom knowledge and practical experience," Mark Wilbanks, assistant chief of the Knoxville Fire Department, said.
