New fire truck for Clearwater

March 24, 2008

Parked inside the Clearwater fire hall is a new Spartan Advantage MFD24 shiny red fire truck that the Clearwater Fire Department ordered over a year ago.

“Cost of the new truck came in at $330,000 plus tax,” said Fire Chief Mark Salden.

“The truck was ordered to our specifications,” he said. “The biggest difference is the cab which offers the fire fighters increased safety and better communication between members when responding to call outs. The new vehicle conforms to the new emission standards, “It’s amazing how clean the exhaust is,” noted Salden.

The truck features 1000 US gallons of water on board; the pump is capable of pumping 1250 gallons per minute; there is seating for six; it carries various fire fighter equipment, has increased pumping capacity; and the equipment is easier to get at, plus it provides a lot more storage.

“The truck also offers better performance – there’s more power, and better visibility for driver,” said Salden. The Spartan Advantage is more maneuverable as the wheel base is shorter, making tight corners, narrow driveways and rough ground more negotiable.

Post fire maintenance is also quicker and the safety factor is better. “We’re not climbing on the machine to put equipment away. Another advantage is the automatic foam filling system that makes the tanks much easier and quicker to fill.

The fire chief said, “The truck was tailor made to our needs.” It was put together in three different plants. The cab and chassis unit was put together at the Spartan Motors plant in Dakota; cabinets, installation of the pump and the firefighting equipment end of things were put together in Rosenbauer; and Rocky Mountain Phoenix in Red Deer Alberta installed hardware such as the hydraulic ladders and special handles made especially for firefighters to grab while wearing gloves.

The truck isn’t ready to go out on calls just yet, however, it will be in service within a week noted Salden.

Miscellaneous hoses and equipment need to be installed on the truck before it’s put into service.

“Driver training on the new rig started last week and will be ongoing, said Salden. Drivers training will include getting used to the different routes and how the truck handles on roads for turning, making sharp left and right hand turns, etc. The Clearwater Fire Department brought in an instructor, Bob Weicker, from Front Line Driver Training, who specializes in drivers training performance.

Salden said the new truck will be the first line pumper once it’s in service. First responding pumper, Engine #1 – a 1972 Ford truck is retired; Engine #2 was sold when Engine #3 was purchased. The new truck will be Engine #4 and Engine #3 will remain in service.

Salden said, “He was ecstatic with the purchase of the new truck. Age and performance of fire trucks has a bearing on insurance grading for the community — that’s one reason why trucks are replaced,” said Salden.

The department requires a truck every 15 to 20 years and the Clearwater members have already started saving money towards their next truck. Engine #4, the Spartan Advantage is paid in full – there was no cost to the tax payers,” said Salden.

At present the Clearwater Fire Department has a roster of 22 fire fighters and are always looking for more members. Volunteer fire fighters perform a variety of services year-round for the community and are continually fundraising. One fundraising event coming up is the June Fathers Day Brunch.

Salden said, once the truck is fully equipped and outfitted, they will have an open house, giving the community a chance to view the shiny new unit.

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New fire truck for Clearwater

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