Langford Fire Rescue has a new addition to their fleet.
The department recently unveiled their new heavy truck as council members eagerly took a look at all this machine can do.
Rescue 1 is a 2015 Spartan Metro Star X, that features a 17-foot telescopic light tower, dual directional roll out tilt down trays and seating for four firefighters.
Capt. Brian Bell noted the entire truck is equipped with an LED lighting system. “We can light up a street in the middle of the night like it’s day time.” It’s a feature that goes a long way in keeping crews safe while they’re on a call, he explained.
The trays are also a neat feature that allows firefighters to access tools and other equipment from either side of the truck.
“It’s well laid out for us, when you open it up you can see everything,” Bell said.
The truck also features five compartments that can be accessed from the roof that feature additional storage for equipment that’s needed but doesn’t have the same immediacy.
“It’s basically a rolling toolbox,” said Coun. Lillian Szpak, chair of the City’s protective services committee. “We have to support our fire department and that’s the priority of Mayor and council.”
Mayor Stew Young credited the department for contributing to all that Langford is doing and what the City has been able to accomplish over the years. “We have a great fire department … This truck is well needed.”
And it came at a discounted price.
“It’s a 2015 but it’s never been in service … it’s a display unit,” Bell said, explaining it was used as a showcase model at different conferences.
When it came on the market, the department jumped at the opportunity, asking council to expedite the budget approvals so they could save some money on the new “used” truck.
By purchasing this truck the City was able to save approximately $100,000.
It replaces one that was bought used down in Connecticut. But Bell noted due to some of the harsh winters it experienced there it had some erosion and other issues. “It was becoming a maintenance headache,” he said as it neared the end of its 15 to 20 year lifespan.
