New Life for an Old Engine

Engine 322, known fondly as "22," had a distinguished 32 years of service in South Old Bridge and surrounding towns.

Purchased in 1992 by the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District #3 in Old Bridge, it became a trusted workhorse for the local fire service. However, in 2024, after three decades of service, it was time for 322 to retire and make way for a new engine. A 2025 Spartan fire engine, 322.

But as the old engine made its way out, a new chapter was being written for 322. After the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 in North Carolina and Tennessee, the Board of Fire Commissioners felt a deep sense of compassion and looked into the possibility of donating 322 to a fire department in need in those affected regions. Though 322 had seen better days, it still had potential, albeit requiring some tender loving care and minor repairs.

With the help of the Middlesex County OEM Director Jack Kramer, Old Bridge Fire District 3 was able to get in touch with Bill Killen of the America’s First Responders Foundation. Bill was able to get the two organizations together on conference calls and the arrangements were finalized.

This is where Scott Campbell, President of the Campbell Supply Company, came into the scenario. Campbell Supply, a family-owned business in South Brunswick, New Jersey, is a premier dealership for commercial and emergency vehicles. The Board of Fire Commissioners and Campbell Supply got together and came to an agreement to get the necessary repairs done to Engine 322 so it could continue its mission in the storm-ravaged areas of Tennessee.

With repairs completed by Campbell Supply, Chief David Strong and Assistant Chief Jason Hagreen of the Clinch Valley Volunteer Fire Department in Eidson, Tennessee, traveled to Campbell Supply in South Brunswick to pick up their "new" fire engine and drive it back to Tennessee. This collaboration ensured that the old 322 would carry on serving a community, though in a different state, continuing its legacy.

Congratulations to the Clinch Valley Volunteers! A special thanks go to the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District #3 in Old Bridge for their thoughtful donation, and a heartfelt acknowledgment to Scott Campbell and the entire team at Campbell Supply for their professionalism, generosity, and philanthropy in making this possible.

Through this donation, 322 has found new life, showing that even in retirement, a piece of equipment can continue to serve communities and save lives.

Swearing in Ceremony for Captain Frank Santore

• At their meeting on February 27, 2024 the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District #3 in Old Bridge held a swearing in ceremony for Captain Frank Santore. Frank is the first career fire officer in the district. He is assigned to firehouse #2 and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activity of the 4 person per diem firefighter crew. Please join us in welcoming Frank to a long, safe career in District #3.