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A new fire engine that will enhance public safety in District 5 was put into service at Station 52 in Pine Grove on Monday, according to a press release from Osceola County, FL.

The new apparatus represents a more than half-million dollar investment in public safety. Following the current standard, the new Sutphen Corporation Monarch will result in increased reliability, added features and lower maintenance costs as it replaces an older model in service since 2007 and 150,000 miles on its odometer.

“Public safety is always an important priority for our residents. Having the best equipment, best training and best facilities for our first-responders is a long-standing commitment by the County Commission and one I support completely,” said Ricky Booth, the District 5 County Commissioner, where the new engine is based. “District 5 residents can rest easy knowing that these life-saving resources are being deployed in the community so that our first-responders are ready for any and all emergencies.”

Osceola Fire Rescue displayed the time-honored traditions of the fire service with a “Push-Back” ceremony. The first part of the ceremony involved washing, then drying off the new engine. Firefighters then pushed the new vehicle into the firehouse, a practice that dates back to the 19th century when horses could not properly back into the station with the wagon attached.

“I want to thank the Osceola Board of County Commissioners for their continued support of public safety,” said Chief Larry Collier. “By replacing aging apparatus in a timely manner with the best equipment possible, our firefighters will be better equipped to protect Osceola County residents and visitors.”

In recent years, Osceola County has invested $10.3 million in new fire station properties and $22.1 million in replacement stations and a dedicated fire training facility, as well as annual commitments of $1.3 million in apparatus replacement and $200,000-300,000 in tool and equipment replacement.

A $225,000 grant for the Sabula (IA) Fire Department will help purchase a new fire truck, according to a story published by the Telegraph Herald.

According to the paper, the award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be supplemented with $75,000 matching funds.

An announcement from the city said the grant will allow the department to upgrade an aging fleet for the safety of its residents.

Fire trucks equipped with zero-emission APUs enable firefighters to reduce idling, cut CO₂ emissions and improve safety without specialized charging infrastructure

[Holland, MI – August 3, 2021] — Dependable Emergency Vehicles and Volta Power Systems collaborated to develop fire trucks with zero-emission auxiliary power units (APUs) that cut idling time and the need for on-scene generators. The power systems are part of a 16-vehicle, multi-year contract for Toronto Fire Services (TFS) to assist the organization in reducing CO₂ emissions, helping them meet anti-idling goals, and improving safety by reducing noise at emergency scenes. Dependable completed the first truck featuring the new APU for TFS in November of 2020.

Powered by Volta’s technology, Dependable’s Idle Reduction & Energy Storage System (IRESS) provides each fire truck with a scalable energy storage pack and customized distribution system. The system provides all the power necessary for warning and scene lights, air conditioning, body lights, tank circulation, communication electronics, and other loads for several hours without idling or using an auxiliary generator. IRESS does not require the installation of specialized charging infrastructure, simplifying the integration process for fire departments.

“This technology enables municipal and commercial fleets to not only reduce CO₂ emissions but also benefit from the reduced costs of fuel and maintenance,” said Massimo Natale, Technical Team Coordinator of Dependable. “We have designed IRESS to provide clean and consistent power that can be customized for all the various loads and capabilities our customers require.”

The Nickel-Manganese Cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion technology in Volta’s system offers twice the energy density of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo) systems on the market without compromising safety or performance. The packs provide consistent power while reducing emissions, fuel usage, maintenance costs, and the storage space necessary for the packs. Based on a baseline of four APU system run hours per day, each vehicle could save up to $15,002 ($11,833 USD) annually in maintenance and fuel costs. Each will also eliminate up to 19,569 lbs in CO₂ emissions each year.

“We pride ourselves on safety, both in how our products perform and the environments they create for our users,” said Jack Johnson, co-founder and CTO of Volta Power Systems. “Dependable’s integration of our systems means that Toronto firefighters can provide their lifesaving services in a safer environment, uninhibited by idling engines or noisy, fuming generators.”

The Volta-powered system will last the full-service life of the fire trucks, with the potential to easily retrofit other existing or new vehicles, regardless of chassis or size.

About Volta Power Systems

Founded in 2014, Volta Power Systems provides safe, powerful and simple lithium-ion energy storage solutions for small to midsize businesses. RV, marine and specialty vehicle OEMs trust Volta to deliver advanced, automotive-grade power systems that enhance the lifestyle, freedom and comfort of their end-users. For more information, visit https://voltapowersystems.com/.

About Dependable Emergency Vehicles

Dependable Emergency Vehicles is a leading Canadian manufacturer of custom emergency vehicles, driven by a personal commitment to quality and innovation. With over 40 years of experience, Dependable and its