New pumper truck fills Lemay fire house
Fire district pays for truck without tax increase
 |
| Erica Burrus photo Lemay Fire Protection District paramedics Johnny Lewellen, left, and Steve Krull stow a hose during training on their new pumper truck. |
|
Paramedic Steve Krull and Lt. Brian Heidbreder said the new Smeal Spartan pumper replaces one that was in service for more than 20 years.
"Maintenance costs on it were just getting too high," Krull said."This new pumper meets the National Fire Protection Association standards where the old ones don't anymore," Heidbreder said.
The new pumper joins and existing pumper truck, two Advanced Life Support ambulances and two command staff vehicles to cover their 4.7 square-mile fire district.
The department runs three shifts and has 21 firefighters. The LFPD makes approximately 100 ambulance runs and seven to 10 fire runs per month.
There is still some equipment and a new radio system to be installed in the new pumper, but it should be in service in a week, Krull said.
Besides a pumping capacity of 2,000 gallons per minute and a front bumper water cannon used for fighting low-level fires, the truck carries ladders of 35, 24, 14 and 10 feet in length.
Fire Chief Neil Svetanics and LFPD Board of Directors member Jack Bettag were both pleased the department was able to spend the $296,000 for the pumper without having to ask residents for a tax increase or bond issue.
Residents will be happy to know their tax rate of $1.0801 per $100 assessed valuation will stay the same, they said.
The board knew four years ago that a new truck was going to be needed. It decided four years ago to start saving a little money each year to pay for it instead of asking for a tax increase or bond issue when the time came.
"It's nothing fancy, it's a working truck," Svetanics said. "It's a very plain fire truck but a very useful one. Ergonomically it's user-friendly and something the firemen will be able to use all the tools and compartment space efficiently."
Svetanics called the pumper a "real good investment " and said the truck has a very small turning radius, an important bonus in Lemay because of its many narrow streets.
"Things are very good now but you have to watch your pennies," Bettag said. "We got a new ambulance two years ago and now the new pumper and the tax rate has actually gone down a few cents, so that's not bad."
Want to go?
What: Lemay Fire Protection District annual Open House
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 11.
Where: LFPD Engine House, 1201 Telegraph Road, one block east of Lemay Ferry Road
Info: Residents can get free flu shots, blood pressure checks and donate blood for the American Red Cross. There will be balloons and activities for children and an antique fire truck exhibit is also planned. Visitors also can get a look at the district's new pumper truck.
