KME—White Lake Fire Authority, Whitehall, MI, elliptical pumper/tanker. International HV607 2-door 4×2 cab and chassis; Cummins L9 360-hp engine; Hale DSD 1,500-gpm pump; LE elliptical 3⁄16-inch aluminum body; Zico 2-arm Quic-Lift portable tank system; Whelen lighting package; ROM roll-up doors with painted finish. Dealer: Chris Payette, Payette Sales & Service, Grosse Ile Township, MI.

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Sarah Watson
Moline Dispatch and Rock Island Argus, Ill.
(TNS)

Mar. 24—It’s orange cone season in Davenport.

Several major construction projects are getting underway as the weather warms this spring, including the completion of 53rd Street, Fire Station No. 3, and the start of a $20 million Duck Creek sewer line project.

With an infusion of federal American Rescue Plan dollars and other grants, Davenport residents will see an unusually high number of construction projects completed in the next few years, city officials said.

“Not just the quantity, but the large-scale nature of it (construction projects),” said Assistant Public Works Director Clay Merritt. “I can speak to my time in nine years coming on 10, we’ve only had maybe three $9 million-plus projects. This summer, we’re probably going to have three or four happening at the same time.”

City officials are urging residents to be patient and drive carefully around the city’s numerous road, sewer, parks, facilities, and trail work.

“There’s a lot of construction occurring so, once again, asking the public, please be patient as we work through this,” Merritt said. “We think everyone will be extremely happy with the end result and the new improvements in the amenities and the infrastructure that we’re building. We just need to take the time to get there.”

Fire station to wrap up construction this year

Motorists on North Brady Street or Welcome Way and 42nd Street have likely seen the towers and framing that will become a new Davenport fire station.

The $10.7 million building will replace Fire Station No. 3, a more than 60-year-old building at 3506 N. Harrison Street. The new location allows for easier access to both north- and south-bound one-ways, which city officials have said will reduce response times.

The building also includes a 60-person community room, larger space for fire apparatus, and airlock vestibules to keep chemicals out of community areas.

Merritt estimated construction will be completed by November of this year.

“Almost every single week, you’re seeing a different change, a different look,” he said. “Thankfully, we had a fairly mild winter, at least from a construction standpoint, and so we’ve been able to proceed pretty much throughout the entirety of the winter on that construction.”

East 53rd Street also to be completed

Construction crews are expected to wrap up the final phases of one of Davenport’s busiest thoroughfares, Merritt said.

The final 0.8 miles from From Lorton Avenue to Eastern Avenue will be reconstructed and widened this year, with a recreational trail added too.

Motorists will begin seeing lane reductions on Monday as construction closes two lanes between Eastern Avenue and Jersey Ridge Road. Side streets to the south will also be closed intermittently, according to the city.

By the end of the year, drivers will see the final product of the years-long construction.

The $16.2 million 53rd Street reconstruction project is a four-year, two-phase, multi-segment project that completely reconstructed the four-lane roadway between Brady Street and Elmore Circle. Part of the funding came from federal grants.

Federal COVID-19 relief funds projects

The city plans to extend a sewer line west of Davenport, following Duck Creek from about North Division Street past I-280. The bulk of the $20 million multi-year project is being paid for by some of the city’s $40.94 million allocation from the federal Am

Ken de la Bastide
The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, Ind.
(TNS)

Mar. 27—ANDERSON — During the past year the city of Anderson has spent approximately $2 million on new equipment for the police and fire departments.

The 103 officers with the Anderson Police Department have been provided with new safety equipment.

All officers received new bulletproof body armor and helmets, and 20 patrol cars will be equipped with bulletproof shields and building entry tools.

The administration of Anderson Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr. included in the 2023 city budget $350,000 from the city’s share of the public safety local income tax to purchase the new equipment.

The city also budgeted $288,000 from the public safety funds for the purchase of an armored rescue and extraction vehicle that would be used to allow police to quickly remove people from a dangerous environment.

That vehicle is set to be delivered this fall.

Chief Mike Lee said he was approached by Broderick following the school shooting in Texas last year.

Broderick said following the Texas shooting the city wanted to make sure the officers have the proper protective gear.

“I know that you would never let happen what took place in Texas by standing around,” he said. “We wanted to make sure you had as much protection as possible to enter a crime scene.”

The police department is moving forward with accreditation plans.

Broderick announced last year that the department was starting the process with Indiana Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.

Chief Mike Lee delivered several documents as part of the departmental reorganization and minor changes to some policies.

The accreditation commission has developed a set of standards and best practices for police agencies across the state.

The website says that earning its accreditation is a clear statement of exceptional levels of professionalism and commitment to excellence in law enforcement.

APD has taken recent steps to improve its law enforcement measures. They include:

—Continuously replacing aging police vehicles

—Implementing and expanding a vehicle take-home program.

—The 2023 city budget includes $190,000 to purchase new patrol cars.

—Installing in-car computers in all patrol cars

—Issuing new body cameras and uniforms for all officers

—Streamlining creation of documentation and reports

—Rewriting and updating all policies and procedures, including making most policies available online

—Creating a new complaint and compliment process.

The Anderson Fire Department has spent $850,000 on the purchase of a new ambulance and pumper truck in 2022 and upgraded communication services at all of the fire stations.

Assistant Chief Todd Cawthorn said the Fire Department now has three front-line ambulances and three backups in the fleet.

Last year, the ambulances made 13,131 emergency runs, and Cawthorn said the number of runs this year is increasing.

The 2023 budget includes funding for a new truck at Station 2, a new ambulance and a new vehicle for the battalion chief.

The Madison County Council approved an appropriation of $122,100 to install the bulletproof windshields in all 40 vehicles used by the department.

The city of Elwood also equipped all of their patrol vehicles with bulletproof windshields after the shooting death of Officer Noah Shahnavaz last July.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.

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(c)2023 The Herald Bulletin (Anderson, Ind.)

Visit The Herald Bulletin (Anderson, Ind.) at www.theh

The bipartisan Fire Station Act would authorize $750 million in fire station construction grants

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S Rep. Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), longtime Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, announced today that he and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) have reintroduced legislation to help fire departments across the United States update existing fire stations and construct new ones where needed. The Facilitating Investments Required for Emergency Services to All Towns in Our Nation (FIRE STATION) Act, would authorize $750 million in fire station construction grants administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for modifying, upgrading, and building fire and EMS department facilities, including local fire and EMS stations and training facilities.

The FIRE STATION Act is co-led in the House by U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, and co-led in the Senate by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.

The bipartisan legislation is aimed at ensuring that fire and EMS departments across the nation have access to the resources they need to better serve their communities. The grant funding can be used to build, rebuild, or renovate fire and EMS department facilities; upgrade existing facilities to install exhaust emission control systems; install backup power systems; upgrade or replace environmental control systems, such as HVAC systems; remove or remediate mold; and construct or modify living quarters for use by male and female personnel.

“Firefighters and EMS personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. They deserve the best possible resources and facilities to carry out their vital work,” said Congressman Pascrell. “Our Fire Station Act will provide critical funding to help modernize fire and EMS department facilities across the nation, ensuring that our first responders have the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

“Our fire fighters deserve the best possible facilities so they can be ready with everything they need to spring into action when duty calls. Yet nearly half of the fire stations across America require major repairs – with some even posing serious health hazards to the men and women who protect our communities. This bipartisan bill will unlock more funding to ensure our fire and EMS heroes have modern, safe, and mission-ready facilities,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I am committed to championing legislation that invests in the first responders who put their lives on the line to protect our communities every day,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to spearhead this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will allocate additional resources to our hero fire fighters.”

“As one of the few former firefighters in Congress, it’s a very personal mission for me to ensure our fire stations are upgraded and modernized,” said Congressman Bost. “My role as a co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus provides an important platform to see that mission through. I’m proud to support the Fire Station Construction Grants Act to ensure our firefighters have the safe and effective facilities they need to do their jobs and keep their communities safe.”

“Those who serve as fire fighters throughout Alaska not only deserve functional facilities – but need them – to help them respond quickly and safely to emergencies. Unfortunately, many fire stations in our state are in dire need of repair and updating—which is why I’m joining my colleagues in this bipartisan measure, the FIRE STATION Act, to in

Howard Fire Company made the following announcement on Facebook Feb. 26:

Thought it was time to introduce everyone to Howard Fire Company’s latest acquisitions: ER 14-1 and ER 14-2, our used 2013 Twin Pierce Velocity’s. Both engines were purchased to replace three pieces of apparatus and downsize to two. Both replaced the the 2000 American LaFrance Engine, and 1990 Eone Mack Rescue, housed at the the main station, along with the 1992 Seagrave Engine Rescue housed at the Marion substation.

Both apparatus are set up with both engine and rescue equipment, and clone each other with equipment, hence why we call these units Engine/Rescues or (ER) for short. ER 14-1 is housed at the main station. ER 14-2 is housed at the Marion substation.

HFC would like to thank Marion Township, Curtin Township, Howard Township and Howard Borough for contributing to this project with some of their ARP funds. This acquisition would not have been possible without them.

Equipment mounting was done by our own Deputy Chief Josh Collins and his company Jager LLC. An open house-dedication ceremony was held Saturday, March 25.

Company President Bill Nearhoof told 6 News these new vehicles require fewer crew members to get them up and running, 6 News reported Saturday. That’s due in part to these two engines replacing what were previously three pieces of apparatus. As fire departments nationwide face a volunteer shortage, Howard fire officials say this improvement makes a difference.

Howard Fire Company covers about 150 square miles, so every second counts when responding to emergencies of all sorts, the report said.

CHICO, CA – Rescue 42, in collaboration with AT&T, announced today the launch of the miniCRD™ for FirstNet®, a miniature Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD) system delivering FirstNet connectivity when and where it’s needed.

Comprised of 2 ultra-portable ruggedized cases that are each about the size of checked luggage, the miniCRD can be deployed by a single person within a matter of minutes, has a FirstNet LTE range of up to ½ mile – and up to 1 mile with FirstNet MegaRange™ – and links to FirstNet via satellite. 80% smaller and half the price of the CRD for FirstNet, the innovative system can be hand-carried or transported by a single person in a vehicle, by air or over water, to anywhere communications are needed.

With this on-the-go coverage, public safety can have dedicated Band 14 connectivity when and where they need it, even in the most remote environments. The new Flat High-Performance Starlink® satellite terminal as part of the miniCRD provides high-speed, prioritized satellite backhaul, with speeds up to 220Mbps and <99ms latency, supporting Cellular and Internet connectivity almost anywhere.

“Our team is thrilled to deliver the new miniCRD for FirstNet, an innovative solution for FirstNet critical communications users,” said Tim O’Connell, CEO of Rescue 42. “The miniCRD provides another option for communication redundancy in remote locations or during outages, with an even more compact solution than the existing CRD. Our primary mission will always be the safety of First Responders, and we plan to continue developing innovative solutions to further this goal.”

Rescue 42 also manufactures the larger, more powerful CRD for FirstNet. The CRD can generate a larger area of FirstNet Cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, virtually anytime and anywhere. Agency-owned CRDs can be deployed by a single person within minutes — with no lifting required.

“Rescue 42 has done it again. The Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD) sent shockwaves through the emergency response community with its ‘FirstNet anywhere-in-an-instant’ capabilities,” said Chief Jeffrey D. Johnson (Retired), Executive Director of the Western Fire Chiefs Association. “Now, the launch of the miniCRD will broaden wireless functionali

Wyoming, Minn., March 16, 2023 – Rosenbauer America announced today that it will partner with IKON Fire, LLC for apparatus sales and service in the states of Colorado and Wyoming. The partnership is effective immediately.

Established by Super Vacuum Mfg. Co., Inc., an industry leader in the manufacturing, sales and service of fire equipment, IKON Fire brings more than 50 years of apparatus sales and service to the region. Thanks to its central location in Fort Collins, Colo., just 70 miles north of Denver, Colorado and Wyoming departments now have a close resource for sales and service of Rosenbauer apparatus and equipment sales.

“Rosenbauer is thrilled to welcome IKON Fire to our dealer network to serve customers in Colorado and Wyoming,” said Mark Fusco, President of Rosenbauer America. “IKON is well known and respected throughout the fire industry for the highest levels of integrity and customer service. IKON has convenient brick-and-mortar and mobile service options available for customers throughout Colorado and Wyoming.”

IKON is equally excited about the partnership. “We are proud to represent Rosenbauer and the company’s 150- year-old reputation. We share in Rosenbauer’s mission of saving lives and protecting property,” IKON Fire President Ron Weinmeister said. “We are excited to be an authorized dealer of Rosenbauer’s fire apparatus line, especially its aerial lineup. Colorado and Wyoming are experiencing amazing growth, and these vehicles will serve our community well.

Staffed by EVT-certified technicians, IKON’s 160,000-sq.-ft. facility provides chassis, engine and driveline service, as well as accident repair and fire pump maintenance. “Our Fort Collins service center is ready and equipped to service Rosenbauer customers immediately,” Weinmeister said.

IKON plans to display Rosenbauer demo units at the Fire Leadership Challenge, hosted by the Colorado State Fire Chiefs in Keystone, Colo., in mid-October 2023.

“IKON was a natural choice for Rosenbauer to partner with, making IKON Fire, LLC the premium authorized Rosenbauer sales and service dealership for Colorado and Wyoming,” Fusco finished.

About IKON Fire

IKON Fire is a fire apparatus and equipment dealer in Colorado and Wyoming, offering the Rosenbauer fire apparatus line, including aerials, pumpers and tankers. A company of Super Vacuum Mfg. Co., Inc., IKON’s sales team and service center is situated in Fort Collins, Colo. To learn more about IKON Fire, visit www.ikonfire.com.

About Rosenbauer America

Rosenbauer is the world’s leading manufacturer of custom fire apparatus and equipment. Rosenbauer offers

the industry’s most comprehensive line of advanced custom and commercial pumpers, heavy rescues, tenders,

mini and rescue pumpers, aerial ladders and platforms featuring SMART Aerial™ Technology, and the RTX fully electric fire truck.

For more information, contact your local Rosenbauer dealer or visit www.RosenbauerAmerica.com, Facebook, and YouTube.

🚒COMING SOON!🚒 New apparatus for Engine 25 (Kensington), Engine 57 (West Philly) and Engine 60 (South Philly), plus new foam pumpers for Engine 16 (West Philly), Engine 33 (Bridesburg) and Engine 46 (Torresdale). #PFD #Phillyfire pic.twitter.com/sEi1WVFt3z

— Philadelphia Fire (@PhillyFireDept) March 25, 2023

The Philadelphia Fire Department announced the following on its social media pages Saturday:

New apparatus for Engine 25 (Kensington), Engine 57 (West Philly) and Engine 60 (South Philly), plus new foam pumpers for Engine 16 (West Philly), Engine 33 (Bridesburg) and Engine 46 (Torresdale).

Tim Harlow
Star Tribune
(TNS)

One westbound lane of Crosstown Hwy. 62 at 34th Avenue has reopened, hours after a fatal crash closed both directions.

All eastbound lanes remained closed between Cedar and 34th avenues as of 8:45 a.m., the Minnesota Department of Transportation said.

The crash happened at about 3:25 a.m., according to the State Patrol.

According to the patrol, a pickup truck heading east on Hwy. 62 entered the ditch and then collided with a bridge at 34th Avenue.

The patrol confirmed a fatality, but has not released any additional details.

In a secondary crash at the site, a&nbs

With Aqua Pennsylvania’s Delaware River intakes in Bristol Borough shut due to Friday night’s chemical spill, Bucks County officials have brought in tankers from around the county to support local firefighters, levittownnow.com reported.

Aqua provides hydrant and drinking water to Bensalem Township and Bristol Borough and parts of Bristol Township. With the Delaware River intakes shut, there has been concern hydrants may not put out enough water if a blaze occurs, a fire source said, according to the report.

The tanker trucks will provide additional water for fire trucks if needed in place of hydrants, the report said. The trucks will be stationed throughout Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, and Bensalem Township, according to officials.

Aqua has not announced when their Delaware River intakes will reopen. They have been closed since the chemical spill in Bristol Township was discovered late Friday night.

Bucks County spokesperson James O’Malley said the tankers will remain in their locations through Monday evening, the report said.

Bucks County Monitoring Chemical Spill

Late Friday evening, a leak at Trinseo Altuglas chemical facility in Bristol Township spilled between 8,100 and 12,000 gallons of hazardous materials into the Delaware River, Buckscounty.gov said in a press release. Bucks County officials have been closely monitoring the situation and helping to contain the spill. This morning, Bucks County activated its Emergency Operations Center to provide support to, and remain in constant communication with, local, state, and federal officials, as well as affected water providers. The material spilled is a water-based latex finishing solution and non-toxic to humans.  

The county has communicated with providers Pennsylvania American Water, Aqua, and the Lower Bucks Joint Municipal Authority, who have all advised that there are currently no known adverse impacts to drinking water in Bucks County. 

Residents in Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, and Bensalem Township who may have questions should contact their water provider. The county will update residents as information becomes available. 

Statement from Pennsylvania American Water: 

“The health and safety of our customers is our top priority. Pennsylvania American Water is monitoring the water quality of the Delaware River following a chemical release that occurred yesterday from a manufacturing plant into a tributary of the river in Bristol, Pa. The company is maintaining regular communication with state and federal agencies regarding the situation. The company has determined there is no impact to the company’s Yardley Water Treatment Plant, which is located approximately 15 miles upstream of the chemical release. In Bucks County, Pennsylvania American Water serves Lower Makefield Township, Yardley Borough, and parts of Falls Township. We will continue to monitor the source water and provide updates if there are any developments.” 

Statement from Aqua: 

Aqua Acted Immediately to Protect our Drinking Water from Spill on Delaware River Trib

PRESS RELEASE

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – On March 23, 2023, the Syracuse Fire Department placed the first of three new Pierce Sky-Boom engines into service at Engine Company 5 on South Geddes Street.

The other two new engines are expected to go into service at their respective stations in the coming weeks. Engine Company 10, on East Genesee Street, and Engine Company 1, on East Adams Street, will be assigned the new engines.

These new engines continue Syracuse Fire’s long tradition of innovation and being on the cutting edge of firefighting technology. The engines are each equipped with a 55-foot aerial telescoping boom that can function as a ladder or an elevated waterway. These booms are a hallmark of Syracuse Fire Department engine company apparatus. The new rigs are also equipped with two-stage pumps, a first for the department in recent years. These will enhance our ability to pump fires involving high-rise structures effectively.

By Bill Adams

“It’s not like the good ole days” is a statement often made by former as well as older and experienced members of both the fire service and the fire apparatus industry.

It is debatable whether the statement expresses appreciation and fondness of times past or is disparaging of the current state of affairs. The earlier is admirable; the latter is discouraging. The statement is worth examining, especially in the realm of writing specifications and purchasing fire apparatus. This narration is a personal observation of the industry and fire service and is not influenced by or beholden to purchasers, manufacturers, vendors, and advertisers.

Some apparatus purchasing committee (APC) members do not exhibit the same degree of enthusiasm when serving on a committee as did their predecessors. Perhaps they are less educated; don’t have the time; or just aren’t interested in the process of writing, understanding, and evaluating fire apparatus specifications. Being educated is being well informed and knowledgeable of both the product and the process of purchasing fire apparatus. Apathy is displaying a lack of concern or interest, which is a disappointing trait. It is an injustice to the taxpayers who are funding a new purchase. More importantly, it is a disservice to the firefighters who must staff the apparatus.

• Apparatus Purchasing Archives

There ought to be logical reasoning behind the lack of eagerness in belonging to an APC and an unwillingness to become learned in the technical nuts and bolts of fire apparatus construction. Demonstrating apathy is not unique to either the career or volunteer side. No such accusation is inferred. Reasons might best be found if a fire department does an objective analysis of how its APC is chosen and how specifications are formulated. Such a self-evaluation could also help in determining the effectiveness of an APC’s performance. Merely backing a new rig into the barn that is painted the proper color and has the name spelled correctly is not an indication that the APC has done an exemplary job—or even an adequate one. That determination often takes some “in-service” time.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Commentators do not have the right to proclaim there must be a specific number of people who should comprise an APC. Likewise, APC members’ areas of expertise, levels of experience, and years on the job should not be stipulated—recommended maybe, but not stipulated; there are too many variables. It is best to provide examples of APC organization criteria for readers to evaluate.

The makeup of APCs in career departments is often determined by the size of the organization. Those with large fleets of apparatus may have designated personnel whose primary, and possibly only, responsibility is apparatus procurement. Some are very good at it. It’s their job—they’re paid to do it. Large career departments have been known to rotate personnel throughout an organization to gain experience in administrative functions as well as operational firefighting. Such rotation may be mandatory and, in some instances, a requirement for advancement. Career entities are not immune from having an assigned APC member who may be more interested in becoming

SVI Trucks—Oklahoma City (OK) Fire Department ventilation unit. Ford F-450 4×2 cab and chassis; Ford 7.3L 2V DEVCT NA PFI V8 430-hp engine; Onan 15-kW generator; Super Vac 48-inch SVU Ford gas-powered fan with 250,000-cfm output; 270-degree electric turntable with scissor lift; 30-gpm @ 60-psi shroud misting ring; OnScene Solutions LED compartment lights. Dealer: Cary Provence, Conrad Fire Equipment, Olathe, KS.

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The town of Erin will be buying a new fire truck but they’re going to have to pony up a little more dough than anticipated, elorafergustoday.com reported. 

At a Thursday afternoon meeting, Erin council approved the purchase of a new fire tanker truck at a cost of $554,000, which is $104,000 more than it was budgeted for, the report said.

A fire official said truck builders have told him the increase in cost is due to the ripple effects from the pandemic impacting the supply chain, according to the report.

The budget shortfall will be funded through the emergency vehicle reserve, the report said.

PRESS RELEASE

The Cape Coral Fire Department posted the following on Facebook Friday:

“This afternoon the Cape Coral Fire Department along with city leaders, Sweet Sparkman Architects, and Wright Construction Group held a groundbreaking ceremony for new Fire Station 13, which will be located at 2025 NE 6th St. Fire Station 13 will incorporate areas currently covered by Stations 2 and 5, the city’s two busiest stations. The addition of this station is necessary to match the growth and increasing demand for service in this rapidly developing area.

“The station will house a four-person fire engine that provides fire suppression and Advanced Life Support (ALS) services and a battalion chief. The estimated completion date for the station is December 2023.”

The building will cost the city almost $7.5 million to complete, according to a report by winknews.com.

PRESS RELEASE

“We are very excited to announce that construction is finally starting on the rebuilding of Station 3, located at 3533 N. Highway 27, Sulphur (near the High Hope Road / Highway 27 intersection),” Ward Six Fire Protection District said in a Facebook post March 15.

“Our previous station was destroyed by Hurricane Laura in August 2020 and after more than 2 1/2 years, we are finally on the road to getting a new station.

“Our first delivery of construction items were delivered today at the exact time we were there putting up the banner. Soon, everyone will see a lot of activity at the location. Please be aware of construction vehicles, personnel and equipment entering and exiting the property.

“The new station is being funded by insurance proceeds and is set to be completed by mid-March, 2024.”

Terry Richards
The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.
(TNS)

Mar. 25—VALDOSTA — With flashing lights and blaring sirens, the latest addition to Valdosta’s firefighting fleet rolled into service Friday.

A new pumper truck, manufactured by the Sutphen Corporation, made its debut at the Valdosta Fire Department Station No. 1 at 106 S. Oak St. amid a crowd of city officials, firefighters, children and well-wishers. Fire personnel from Lowndes County, Quitman and Moody Air Force Base were on hand.

After an invocation, Fire Chief Brian Boutwell said the new truck is the first purchased with his input. Boutwell has headed the fire department for four years.

A vendor had contacted the department offering a “demo” unit that was being assembled, he said, but the vendor said the department would have to act fast or it could be sold to other interests.

Quick action by the Valdosta City Council in putting the truck on a meeting agenda and formally approving the purchase cut the usual wait time from 2.5 years to six months, the chief said.

The truck was ceremonially rolled back into one of the station’s bays manually by a crowd of school children wearing plastic fire helmets and assisted by a number of adults. Boutwell said the tradition dates back to the 19th century, when horse-drawn fire equipment couldn’t be backed into the bays by the horses and had to be done by hand by firefighters.

Shortly afterward, the truck rolled out of the station and into traffic.

Terry Richards is the senior reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times.

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(c)2023 The Valdosta Daily Times (Valdosta, Ga.)

Visit The Valdosta Daily Times (Valdosta, Ga.) at www.valdostadailytimes.com

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