Journal-news
After decades of service in the West Chester Fire Department fleet, Heavy Rescue 71 has retired. The 1984 Ford L9000 Ranger carried firefighters and specialized equipment as they responded to structure fires, car accidents, people trapped in machinery, and water and trench rescues among other emergencies for more than three decades, according to the township.
Instead of replacing the truck — which would have cost taxpayers an estimated $800,000 — fire officials shifted resources and re-worked response plans so that existing engine companies could fully shoulder rescue responses, officials said.