Florence Township Fire Department, Wakeman, OH, brush/rescue/fast attack unit. Ford F-350 4x4 single cab and chassis; 6.2L V8 385-hp engine; Darley Vanguard 2BE 23V 375-gpm pump.
The Reading Fire Department is preparing for the delivery of a used pumper truck this spring to replace its aging engine “1132”, a 34-year-old truck used as a backup pumper.
Fire Chief Bob Jepson approached the joint fire board — comprised of representatives from the city of Reading and Reading Township — in January with concerns about 1132′s ability to pass mandated testing and asked the board to consider purchasing a used truck. Jepson noted the department’s response volume and opined the department did not need a new truck.
After reviewing finances, the board determined they would ultimately need an additional $50,000 split between the city and township. The remaining funds would come from the department’s savings. Jepson said he believed the 2000 KME Custom Pumper had around 15 years left of “effective use” left.
Dorchester County Council will consider approving $573,752 of funds to renovate and combine the Harleyville Fire and EMS stations.
The renovation project will cost about $750,000. The council meeting will take place on Monday at 6 p.m. in Summerville. According to the Dorchester County spokesperson, the county currently operates an EMS station in Harleyville on Dotson Street.
The EMS station does not have a bay for the ambulance because it was previously a residential structure. County officials say the structure is also inadequate for housing crews due to the age of building and the residential configuration.
