Fire Department Welcomes New Engine

After more two years of research and planning, Engine 3 is finally home in Summit.

As part of the Fire Department's regular replacement schedule, a new pumper truck was purchased with capital improvement funds and is now safe and sound inside the garage at the fire house.

Engine 3, a pumper truck, arrived in Summit about a month and a half ago and should be in service by Friday. It replaces a pumper truck frpm 1986.

Since it's arrival, firefighters have been busy learning how to use the new truck and stocking it with all of their equipment.

This truck, completely customized to the specifications Summit wanted, has a new five-man cab layout while the other trucks in the fire department's fleet are six-man cabs.

The seats face forward also, instead of backwards which Lt. Jeff Hudkins, a member of the committee, is aimed at improving communication between firemen in the front two seats and those in the back.

In additional, a compartment has been added between the driver's side front door and back doors so firefighters can use the handrails when entering and exiting the truck. Normally, Hudkins said, firemen have too much in their hands to hold on when climbing into the truck.

The truck also has what is called chevron striping on the back, a new requirement of the National Firefighter Protection Association. There is also a retractable ladder rack on the side of the truck to help make getting the ladders–a 24-foot ground ladder and a 14-foot roof ladder–down safer and more convenient for the firemen.

On the roof, the engine has a deck gun which is remote-control operated and can spray 1,000 gallons of water per minute. To be more energy-efficient, the truck has LED lights which draw less energy but are also brighter, Hudkins said. 

The engine cost the city of Summit $549,546.

At a dedication ceremony for Engine 3 on Sept. 10, Rev. Nicholas Bellotti, from St. Teresa of Avila Church, said a prayer for the new engine and the firefighters in Summit.

To hear some of Rev. Bellotti's comments and to get a sneak peak at the new truck, check out our video on the right.