TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. — The Temple Terrace Fire Chief handed over the title of a retired fire engine on Thursday to a representative of Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire and Rescue based in Abaco, which was devastated last month when Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas.

  • Marsh Harbor Volunteer group left with only 1 fire engine after Dorian
  • Truck expected to arrive in Abaco early next week
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"We want to thank all of you for being so concerned with our problems," said David Ralph, 85, Marsh Harbour Senior Firefighter. "Thank you very much. I'm touched." 

Chief Ian Kemp said the Temple Terrace Fire Department purchased a new fire engine a few months ago for $750,000, which put them in a position to donate the retired fire engine that's nearly 20-years-old.

"I have no doubt that once it arrives it'll probably be used the same day," said Kemp.

Ralph said the Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire Rescue used to have six fire engines. However, after Hurricane Dorian hit they were only left with one.

"This is going to be a tremendous boost," he said. "Our town of Marsh Harbor is flat. No water, no electricity, no grocery stores."​

In addition, Ten-8 Fire equipment donated four self-contained breathing apparatus along with fire hose. Hydro Dynamic Solutions coordinated the shipment of the fire truck to the Bahamas.

The fire engine left Temple Terrace Fire Station No. 1 on Thursday afternoon on the bed of a Deberardini Heavy Haul 18-wheeler and was driven to Palm Beach County where it'll be placed on a barge. 

The donated fire truck is expected to arrive in Abaco by early next week.

"I'm a bit overwhelmed," said Ralph "We really appreciate this."