The Erie Fire Department named their brand new fire truck after Michael "Mikey" Smith, who died of occupational cancer at the age of 47 last year. 

"Firefighter Smith died in February 2023 of occupational cancer," said Greg Purchase, Assistant Fire Chief of the Erie Fire Department. "We recently took reception of our 2024 Pierce Pumper, and we decided it would be very appropriate to honor Michael Smith with placing it in memory of him."

Dozens gathered for the honoring ceremony - from fellow firefighters, to Smith's family, and even Mayor Joe Schember, who says it's great being able to give the fire department a much needed upgrade.

"They haven't had a new truck in quite a number of years, we're trying to get more on a schedule, but some of the trucks are just around too long," said Schember. "They're over 20 years old, and they can't rely on them the way that they should be able to. So we're trying to get into more of a phase now where every couple of years will be replacing a truck, the oldest truck and bringing in a new one."

And Smith's father, Don Smith, says he's touched by the dedication, and hopes it will help raise awareness for occupational cancer among firefighters in the future.

"Other firefighters have died from cancer after they had retired, and chances are they got it while they were working," said the older Smith. "Michael's the first one that was on duty and contracted occupational cancer. It's a terrible thing to go through, but we're extremely honored by this truck."

The Erie Fire Department also says that they sourced several of the truck's parts, such as the wheels and hose, from Erie-based companies Snap-tite Hose and Accuride.