The other truck had four outriggers with a 20-foot spread; the new truck has two stabilizing jacks with a 15-foot spread. “They also deploy a lot faster,” noted Brungardt. “The aerial ladder also raises and extends more quickly.” The other truck had a 104-foot ladder, but Brungardt believes that’s not a big loss.  

“Today’s street construction is more narrow with more cul-de-sacs, and we’ve got to have better placement. If people are parked on both sides of the road, we can still get access in. It turns tighter and is more maneuverable.”  

The new truck is also more environmentally friendly and meets newer emission standards, according to Brungardt. “It burns a little more cleaner than the old trucks.”

Miller went on to say “the Park Service is aware of the dedication of all VFD firefighters” and recognized the great working relationship between the Buffalo National River staff and the Compton VFD firefighters.

The National Park Service provides Rural Fire Assistance grants to neighboring community fire departments to enhance local wildfire protection, purchase equipment, and train volunteer firefighters. Service fire staff also assist directly with community projects.

Town Supervisor Edward P. Romaine said bids submitted by contractors interested in building the 26,000-square-foot facility on Station Road in North Bellport could push construction costs up to $15.73 million.  

The town board in 2015 had approved $13 million to build the facility, which would replace South Country’s current 16,000-square-foot headquarters in East Patchogue. Officials have said that facility should be replaced because it is 80 years old and has mold, asbestos and a leaky roof.