Penhold's fire chief is counting down the days until the new fire truck is ready to roll.
“We received the refurbished fire truck from Eastway Tank in December,” said Jim Pendergast. “And we are in the process of getting it ready for the last pieces we ordered in, final repair, and inspection before licensing.”
Soon to be christened Engine No. 1, the 1998 model was refurbished by Eastway Tank in its factory outside Ottawa. The fire truck has quite a few modifications.
“To make the truck more to our liking, we added options,” added the fire chief. “Number 1 has LED lights, a foam system which is more efficient than traditional water pumpers, an electronic governor to modulate pressure on all used hoses off the engine, radio headsets in the back and front cockpit to decrease environmental noise and allow everyone to hear the radio. It also has a diesel generator for the electrical devices,” added Pendergast.
The cost of a new Eastway Tank fire truck with those options would have been close to $600,000 but the department got it for around $120,000, noted Pendergast.
“We were being fiscally responsible with the town's funds and it has paid off,” said Pendergast. “The truck is also equipped with extra lights so it can be used for other agencies as required. If the police need us to stay behind for light, we will.”
Councillors were able to get a ride in the truck on Jan. 13 before the Town of Penhold council meeting. It is expected to be ready for action by the end of January.
