KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A $1 million fire truck donated to New York City by East Tennesseans responding to the 2001 terrorist attacks is out of repair and can't fight fires, officials said.
Two retired New York Fire Department officials will be in Knoxville Sunday to commemorate the 9/11 attacks and help raise money for volunteer fire departments in the region. East Tennessee and the New York department have a special link through the donated 95-foot tower truck, called the Freedom Engine.
''It's been out of service for at least nine months,'' former NYFD Capt. Stephen Damato said Thursday. ''It's very frustrating. The officers are doing what they can, but they have to work within the system.''
Officials at Ladder 14 in New York City _ where the truck is assigned _ said they couldn't speak to the news media and referred calls to department spokesman Charlie Markey, who said he didn't have any information about the Freedom Engine.
The campaign to raise funds for the truck, which was initiated by The Knoxville News Sentinel newspaper, generated more than $969,000, mostly in small contributions from more than 6,000 individuals across East Tennessee.
Now Damato and retired NYFD Lt. Eddie Pollich will help raise money for the Briceville Volunteer Fire Department, the Campbell County Rural Fire Service and the East Tennessee Fallen Police Officers Fund.
''We got the fire engine from East Tennessee, and we're very grateful,'' Damato said. ''Although we have some personal things to do on Sept. 11 (to remember the event in New York), I thought I'd come down this year and be involved for the good people of Tennessee.''
The event pulls together motorcycle riders - many of whom are firefighters and police officers - to commemorate the lives lost in the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center during the terrorist attacks in 2001.
Information from: The Knoxville News Sentinel
