The Clintonville Fire Department unveiled its newest truck at an open house Monday, April 13.
The Department took delivery of the truck in March and put it in service last week.
“We’ve spent essentially 30 days orienting everybody [with the truck] before it went into service,” said Shane Krueger, Clintonville fire chief.
Krueger said the truck was ordered in December 2013 from Marion Body Works. With equipment, it cost roughly a little over $500,000, which Krueger said was under budget.
“With the purchase of the new truck we were able to get an enclosed interior so the firefighters are able to sit inside instead of outside,” Krueger said.
He said there is also seatbelt harnessing for each seat.
The pump capacity was also increased in the new truck when compared to the truck it replaced.
“We have 500 gallons per minute greater capacity for the pump. The tank itself is the same size at the previous unit,” Krueger said.
Other enhancements include greater storage space, which allows for more firefighting tools to be stored on the truck. More items are also located near the base of the truck to prevent firefighters from having to climb up on the truck to connect hoses or get items.
“We got rid of some of the discharging over the operators area, so there are a lot of safety aspects and ergonomics for the firefighters in this design when compared to the previous,” Krueger said.
He added that the department helped plan the layout of items on the truck.
“In the fire service industry there is so much uniqueness in the fire departments so the apparatus is very unique,” Krueger said.
He added, “For almost a year previous to ordering, [the department worked on] putting together what we felt were the highest needs for this department and to serve the community. It’s a reflection of five personnel from the fire department putting a lot of time to the committee making sure that what we put together works.”
Different areas of the truck are set up for rural fire fighting, while other areas are set up for city fire fighting.
“Obviously having a new piece of equipment is exciting to the members so it’s definitely a morale booster to have a new apparatus, and to know that you’re going to the scene safely,” Krueger said.
With the new technology on the truck and with how it is designed, Krueger said it will allow the fire department to get water on a fire quicker when compared with the old truck.
Krueger also acknowledged the support of the community to purchase the truck.
“We’re pleased and proud and I think it’s going to be a great enhancement to the department,” Krueger said.