TRUCK 209 … The Delta Fire Department’s new 75-foot ladder truck sits outside the Delta Fire Department. This new truck is a first of its kind for the department.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Delta Fire Department recently welcomed the newest addition to their department. A 75-foot ladder truck, the first ever ladder truck for the department, was purchased to help with the growing needs of their community.
This new truck has been in the works for around ten years now when the idea first sprouted. This idea came due to the growth of industry and housing the community has seen, and by all counts will continue to see.
Millions of square feet of industrial buildings reside in the department’s jurisdiction, according to Lt. Sean Smith, whose requirements for firefighting and prevention are changing by the year.
The project was officially given the go-ahead around two years ago when a committee of six department members began to look at their options.
All of the major vendors out there were considered but, the department ultimately chose to go with Sutphen, a company based out of Dublin, Ohio.
A lot of hours were spent during the decision-making process doing things like meeting with vendors, planning for what equipment will be needed, and now mounting and training.
Lt. Smith explained that he has been at the station getting their new truck ready for service practically every day since its arrival on August 19th.
The new truck has all the newest safety features including back-up cameras, blindside cameras and more. The inside seats are more spaced out than in regular cabs and the seat covers come off to make cleaning easier.
The ladder can also be controlled by the truck operator, as well as the master stream hose nozzle located at the end of the ladder.
This nozzle is equipped with a camera which sends the video feed down to the operator for control.
So, not only can the hose nozzle operate without someone having to be up controlling it, but a video feed is available for the firefighters.
This is an invaluable resource, especially when it comes to things like building and house fires. It will allow a view of the roof area before anyone is able to make their way up there, which in turn lets them know if it is safe.
It will also show if there is any fire extension into the roof, or if the fire has breached the roof area. Lt. Smith explained that all of this is a huge asset to the community.
“It’s a huge asset to the community and the firemen. It gives us the option of the elevated master steam without relying on mutual aid. It will also help us with more of the technical rescue side of things.”
“We are trying to stay ahead of the curve with growth, technology and the ability to respond to incidents. We don’t get a choice of what were dispatched to.”
“We get there and we have to figure it out. So, the more tools and training we have in our toolbox, the better the outcome.”