Fire Department Shows Off New Aerial Truck Friday

The Mayor's office announced recently that the city has received its new aerial platform (or tower) ladder truck for the Fire Department.

The city spent just over a $1 million this past spring (including contingency costs) to purchase the 2011 95-foot AerialCat Rear Mount Platform Severe Service LFD Cab, which was manufactured by KME/Kovatch in Pennsylvania. The company is a global supplier of customized trucks and vehicles in numerous markets, including aviation, petro chemical, industrial, energy, military and police and fire rescue.

The city hired BullDog Fire Apparatus in Hopkinton for the design and acquisition of the new truck from KME.

"Peabody continues to improve its ability to effectively and rapidly respond to emergencies of all kinds," said Mayor Michael Bonfanti in a press statement. "By continuing our commitment to better equip and train our firefighters, the Peabody Fire Department will be better prepared to protect all our citizens in the event of a fire.”

Bonfanti also noted that both the new tower ladder and a , expected to arrive around Jan. 1, will replace aging equipment and increase safety for firefighters and the public.

“The new tower ladder will enhance our ability to perform rapid rescues and deliver high volumes of water to safely and efficiently extinguish large building fires. I am very thankful to the Mayor, Peabody City Council and all involved in the purchase and design process, especially the taxpayers and citizens who funded $937,852 for the purchase,” said Fire Chief Steven Pasdon.

Pasdon has been asking for the aerial truck for the past few years, arguing it is greatly needed to fight fires at larger buildings or complexes, especially if one were to break out at any of the city's multi-story hotels.

Pasdon said in a previous interview that the engine will serve as Ladder 1 and be stationed over at the Prospect Street firehouse.

He said the foundation at isn't strong enough to support newer, heavier engines, which is why the aerial truck will be at Prospect Street.

He said it would be "cost-prohibitive" to make the necessary repairs to the historic station and the more centralized location near the allows the truck to get anywhere in the city quickly enough.

A public demonstration of the new vehicle will be held on Friday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. in the rear lot of the at 50 Farm Ave.