July 24, 2008

New rescue rig for Lind emergency crews

Emergency response personnel in and around Lind have a new weapon in their arsenal of safety and firefighting equipment.

Adams County Fire Protection District No. 2 purchased a new rescue vehicle, which was delivered in May, to replace an older vehicle.

According to Chief Don Klemmer, the 2008 Ford F-550 4x4 two-door chassis with diesel engine and automatic transmission can carry 500 gallons of water and 20 gallons of foam. The previous vehicle, which was a 2001, could carry 300 gallons of water and 20 gallons of foam.

“We can take this truck more places than the old one,” Klemmer added.

The new rig built by General Fire features the ability to fight fire with two nozzles on top of the vehicle as well as a front gun with joystick control in the cab that can spray water or foam.

“We’ve used (spray gun) a couple of times along the freeway and it came in pretty handy,” Klemmer said.

A couple of inches of height has allowed for more space to carry hoses, folding ladders, extrication equipment, traffic control devices, etc. – including a compartment dedicated to charging battery-powered equipment so the equipment is kept clean and in one place.

Klemmer explained that the compartment also includes an automatic ejector for the extension cord when the ignition is turned.