The Canyon Fire Department is preparing to put a new fire engine worth more than $1 million into service, marking a major investment in public safety as the city continues to grow.
The custom-built engine was fully funded through the city's 2025 voter-approved public safety bond. It will replace a 25-year-old truck currently in service, which will move into reserve status. That truck will take the place of a 40-year-old engine.
For Canyon Fire Chief Dennis Gwyn, the addition represents a much-needed improvement to the department's aging fleet.
“It’s definitely a big upgrade in our fleet to get something like this new, very dependable, and we’re just looking forward to being able to use it,” Gwyn said.
The new engine was designed specifically for the Canyon Fire Department and even features a purple stripe in recognition of Canyon Independent School District.
Beyond its appearance, the truck is expected to help firefighters provide reliable emergency response services to Canyon residents and surrounding communities.
Gwyn said the investment comes at an important time as Canyon experiences continued growth and the department works to modernize its operations.
“Yes, we are a smaller department. The City of Canyon is growing. We are still basically operating like we were in the 80s. So we’re getting it to be able to upgrade better coverage for public safety,” Gwyn said.
Firefighters are currently training with the new engine and making final preparations before it officially enters service. The department expects to have the truck operational by the end of this week or early next week.
The engine is just one part of a larger effort to improve Canyon's emergency services.
The fire department received more than $8.8 million from the voter-approved public safety bond. Additional projects include a new training burn house, training classroom, expanded bays and renovations to the existing fire station.
The station remodeling project is expected to begin in 2027.
Gwyn credited Canyon voters and city leaders for recognizing the department's needs and supporting investments that will help firefighters keep pace with the growing community.
“I’m very grateful. The citizens of Canyon are supporting us in this growth. I believe they see the need and so it’s great to have the community behind you,” Gwyn said.
