A new firetruck is in operation at the Topley Fire Department after being delivered in April.
The vehicle was purchased so the department could retire it’s truck from the 1980s.
“It’s got a 900-gallon capacity for water, comes with a rated pump and has an integrated foam system,” said Regional Fire Chief Jason Blackwell.
The truck cost about $680,000 including extra equipment so the vehicle was ready to use upon delivery.
“Another reason we decided to purchase this now is we had an opportunity to utilize some Resource Benefits Alliance grant funding, which meant we could make this capital purchase with no direct implication to the taxpayer,” Blackwell said.
The department also has a 2007 firetruck which was its primary response vehicle, and will replace the 1980s truck as its backup.
When the vehicle was delivered, the detachment’s crew pushed the new truck into its bay.
“They call it a push-in ceremony. It dates back to when fire departments used horse-drawn carriages so when they got a new one, horses can’t back it in so members would push it back into the hall,” said Blackwell.
He added the crew was excited about the new truck arriving and have used it on two substantial fire calls so far.
The former 1980s truck was put up for bid and sold to a contractor in Houston.
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