Johnson City commissioners on May 1 voted to accept a private donation to purchase a new fire engine for the Johnson City Fire Department; staff said part of the gift will cover equipment to make the vehicle operational and that delivery is expected in October.

Fire Chief Bell told the commission the donor, identified in the meeting as Miss Lawler, made a "tremendously generous offer" to pay for a new apparatus that will serve Johnson City for at least 20 years. Chief Bell said $50,000 from the gift will go toward equipment so the truck will "be ready to roll" when delivered; staff said the apparatus will replace an older unit that had become costly to maintain.

Commissioners thanked the donor and noted the fire department’s high public-safety rating. One commissioner noted the city’s ISO 1 rating and the interdependence of water and fire services in delivering emergency response. The commission approved acceptance of the gift and plans to host a public push-in ceremony in June to thank the donor and place the apparatus into service.