\u201cIt has that new-car smell,\u201d said Assistant Fire Chief Charles Balke. \u201cWe\u2019re eager to put it into service.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before making its first run, firefighters will undergo hours of in-service training from the Pennsylvania-based manufacturer on the $477,000 piece of equipment.<\/p>\n
Firefighters will also install and mount the pumper\u2019s equipment and undergo driving training.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re following a detailed, structured plan before it\u2019s put into service,\u201d said Fire Chief Jeff Vandevoorde. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of new stuff on this pumper that we have to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ceremoniously pushed into the fire station for service on Jan. 20, the pumper offers safety features not previously found on the department\u2019s equipment. The 1,000-gallon pumper will thrust water at 1,750 gallons per minute, a surge of 500 gallons per minute over the previous pumper.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat increase will help us get ahead of any fire,\u201d Balke said.<\/p>\n
Other features of the new 25-ton pumper include rollover protection safety restraints, dual in-cab video cameras, automatic snow chain deployment system, and storage space for extrication, stabilization and hazardous-materials equipment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe entire truck, from front to rear bumper, was designed specifically for Cortez needs,\u201d Balke said.<\/p>\n
The 10-year lease purchase financing for the new truck was made possible through a grant, capital reserves and a trade-in. A recent voter-approved mill levy increase was also instrumental in obtaining the new equipment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re extremely thankful for the citizens who voted for the mill levy,\u201d said Vandevoorde.<\/p>\n
Balke estimates it would take a team of firefighters about an hour to wash the KME pumper. To wax it, add another hour to the job, he said.<\/p>\n