Yorkton’s new fire engine named after 80’s action hero

Yorkton’s new firetruck debuted with a push-in ceremony, and its community-chosen name is revealed.

Due to the cold, spectators were chattering inside the Fire Hall on Yorkton’s Smith Street while the star of the show, Yorkton Fire Protective Service’s new fire engine, was patiently waiting outside.

The doors of the new engine were covered by pieces of paper, concealing the vehicle’s name.

“Getting a new fire engine isn’t something we take for granted. It’s a major investment in safety, reliability, and our ability to protect the people who call Yorkton home,” Deputy Fire Chief Dallas D’Aoust said in his speech.

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After thanking the Yorkton City Council and the people of the city, he stepped closer the truck.

It was time to reveal the engine’s name.

“It’s my privilege to announce the name of our newest fire engine. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Truck Norris.”

Earlier this month, the Yorkton Fire Protective Services put out a call for submissions, asking the community for ideas on how to name the new addition.

They received over 60 submissions, and the final decision was made by a committee.

“We had a number of people come in and vote on the name,” D’Aoust explained. “We ended up with Truck Norris, which is very exciting. I think it’s a great name.”

He said the campaign to name the new engine was a way to have fun with the community and get their safety messages out.

“Check your smoke detectors when you have the time. It should be done monthly,” he reminded CTV News just moments later.

The price tag on Truck Norris was $980,000 and it’ll serve the community as a backup engine when the primary is down for maintenance and repairs.

“There were some other options that we looked at, but they were approximately $400,000 more. So, this was definitely a more economical option,” the deputy fire chief said.

He said the vehicle being replaced was 25 years old.

“The typical lifespan for a fire engine is 15 years on the front line, and then five years as a reserve unit.”

On Wednesday, Truck Norris was all polished up and ready to serve as city officials and firefighters pushed it in to the firehall.

Judging by the grunting, and having the truck in reverse, those pushing the new engine could’ve used some help from the original Chuck Norris.