Anchorage Fire Department goes pink for cancer awareness

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As AFD senior fire mechanic Ken McMillan waits in the cab of the fire truck, lead mechanic Jeff Bottila (in blue) and firefighter Cody Grella (in pink) test the smoke maker before the entrance of the newly painted truck. "Miss Linda", a fire engine that was painted pink to heighten cancer awareness was unveiled on Friday, August 15, 2014 at the Anchorage Fire Training Campus.

The Anchorage Fire Department on Friday unveiled a newly painted pink fire truck in an effort to raise awareness of cancer. The truck sports many shades of pink, which is widely synonymous with breast cancer awareness, but the sides of the truck also feature numerous painted ribbons in many colors, representing all cancers.

Before the bay door at the fire training center on Airport Heights Road was opened to reveal the newly painted engine, a couple of fire department mechanics and a firefighter tested a smoke machine to add drama to the arrival of "Miss Linda," the department's name for the special engine.

Senior fire mechanic Ken McMillan, an AFD veteran of more than 20 years, had the honor of driving the engine into the bay for the ceremony. McMillan sat patiently in the cab while speeches were made and anticipation built inside.

The reserve fire engine will be housed at Fire Station 15 in Southport and will make appearances throughout Anchorage and Eagle River.