Citizens were invited to visit Saginaw City Hall Monday, Sept. 23 to view the City of Saginaw Fire Department‘s new 100-foot aerial fire apparatus and fire safety education trailer, the city said in a Facebook post recently.

Fire department personnel was on-hand to demonstrate the upgraded features of the new truck, including the 100-foot aerial ladder, and highlight the new fire safety education trailer.

The new fire apparatus, Truck 1, will replace the current aerial device that has been in service for more than 25 years. The Rosenbauer Cobra, a 100-foot aerial truck, features Rosenbauer’s SMART Aerial Controls and other technology to automate safety systems and streamline operations. The new upgraded truck is outfitted with LED lights and anchor points, which allow for rope rescues. The new safety upgrades also include in-vehicle camera systems to provide easier navigation when operating the truck.

Saginaw City Council approved $1.3 million in ARPA funds in May 2022 for the purchase of the new fire apparatus. Members of the fire department have completed the training on the new vehicle, which is now in full service at Central Fire Station.

Brandon Hausbeck, Saginaw Fire Chief, commented on the new apparatus: “This new fire apparatus is a game changer for the department when it comes to safety and reliability. A lot of time, research, and effort went into the acquisition of this new truck. Rosenbauer aerial trucks are known throughout the industry for their advanced technology and reliability. The technology featured in our new truck will allow us to better serve Saginaw residents. We want to thank the members of the City Council for their commitment to fire safety and approving the ARPA allocation for this new truck.”

The new safety trailer, which was also partially funded with ARPA funds, will enable the fire department to continue its vision for fire safety education in the community. The department’s new fire safety trailer will allow the department to expand its education program to include all ages, from school-age children to adults, and is now ADA accessible.

The new fire safety education trailer will educate both children and adults on safely evacuating a home during a house fire, and provide training on other household hazards, such as kitchen fires, electrical outlet fires, and proper use of a fire extinguisher. The new trailer features display screens that interact with fire extinguishers, smoke machines, and fire alarms to create a realistic and safe environment to educate citizens of all ages how to safely react during a fire emergency event.