The Blair Volunteer Fire Department officially upgraded its fleet Tuesday evening, debuting its newest fire apparatus during a special unveiling ceremony at Station No. 1 on Old Harriman Highway.

The event, which took place at 7 p.m., drew a crowd of local supporters and key Roane County officials, including County Executive Wade Creswell and County Commissioners Goss, Bowers, and Ben Gann.

The newly acquired vehicle—a 2007 model purchased for approximately $150,000 from a department in the northern United States—represents a major investment in local emergency services.

During the ceremony, Blair Volunteer Fire Department Chief Casey Lamance expressed deep gratitude to both local government and local citizens. He thanked the Roane County Commission for its ongoing financial backing and extended his appreciation to Blair residents, whose private donations directly helped fund the purchase.

“Although previously owned, the truck is in excellent condition and will provide dependable service to the Blair community for years to come,” Chief Lamance stated, emphasizing the capabilities of the new apparatus.

County Executive Wade Creswell also spoke at the event, offering his congratulations to the volunteer crew and emphasizing that keeping first responders properly equipped is a top priority for the county.

The $150,000 price tag highlights the steep financial challenges and significant investments required to keep modern volunteer fire departments fully operational and prepared for emergencies. Thanks to the collaborative effort between local government and community donors, Blair’s firefighters are now better equipped to protect the lives and property of those they serve.