New Pumpers Approved (Jan. 21, 2002)
Schooleys Mountain and Fairmount pumpers are approaching the end of their useful, safe operation. In an effort to save the taxpayers money and improve safety of the firefighters, two similar pumpers are being proposed for the Department.
The pumpers shown above, a 1983 Mack and a 1982 International are the "first-out" engines for each company. They will have reached their 20 year life cycle by the time approval, funding and delivery is attained. In addition, the number of calls these trucks respond to is increasing every year as the Township grows. As time goes on, operation becomes unreliable and the expense of maintenance and repair exceeds their value. Even today, replacement parts are becoming more difficult to find.
By planning now and focusing on a similar design, there are cost savings benefits. Plus a consistent design will allow for:
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Firefighters from each company to more easily operate or locate equipment |
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Ease in the serviceability of apparatus |
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Uniformity in Departmental operations |
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Consistent equipment layout and operation allowing for easier inter-company operations |
In addition, more stringent safety requirements for firefighters have demanded that:
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All personnel be seated and belted |
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All personnel be in an enclosed riding area |
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Exposure to sound levels (i.e. sirens and horns) be minimized |
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Safety features (i.e. Anti-lock brakes, chassis & axle structure, etc.) be incorporated |
Ultimately, the proposal will provide for improved Firefighter safety, Township resident safety, and cost savings/long term benefits to the Township. A presentation to the Township committee was made on December 13, 2000. Another presentation was made on October 15, 2001. Members of the Volunteer Fire Department turned out at the Township Committee meeting to show their support and express the importance of having the proper to tools and equipment to do their jobs safely and efficiently. The Township committee agreed to the importance of maintaining a safe, operational emergency services fleet and has allocated funding in 2002 for replacement of these pumpers.
Some of the slides used for the presentation are available for viewing by clicking here. Read the November 11, 2001 Daily Record article here. Read the January 23, 2002 Daily Record article here.
Artist renderings of sample engines shown above.