CONNEAUT - Conneaut's first new fire engine in 20 years could make its debut this weekend, officials said. The $448,000 truck, built by KME in Nesquehoning, Pa., arrived in town Tuesday night. Firefighters were busy Wednesday adding accessories and transferring equipment into the pumper, which could be put into service by Friday.
The truck will replace a 1996 pumper that has outlived its usefulness, firefighters have said. The old vehicle — which logged more than 131,000 miles and 13,100 engine hours —will probably be scrapped in a few months, Lee said. Some parts and accessories will be salvaged and transferred to a lower-mileage, standard-sized pumper the city also bought in 1996 that is kept at Fire Station 3.
It’s successor will also enjoy a longer life span because of the department’s updated dispatch policy for medical emergencies. In the past, Station 1’s fire engine was among the vehicles sent to ambulance calls in case a fire emergency occurred. That policy was discontinued a few years ago in favor of an ambulance/SUV tandem that frees one firefighter to fetch the engine if needed.
Five firefighters can ride aboard the new pumper, which features a stainless steel body and cab, Lee said. It can bring 750 gallons of water to a fire scene. The truck is also equipped with high-intensity LED lights, including the headlights, Lee said.