New Tanker Truck for Woodlawn Fire Department?

South Whitehall commissioners gave Woodlawn Fire Chief Rusty Held the go-ahead this week to price a new tanker pumper for the department.

The cost is expected to be about $550,000 because of new safety requirements and emissions standards.

The township had budgeted only $380,000 this year for the purchase. However, the township's three volunteer fire companies worked together to shift money to Woodlawn that was allocated to other fire departments, according to information presented at Wednesday night's commissioner meeting.

"It is important that we replace this unit as a tanker pumper," said Cetronia Fire Chief Jay Heicklen, who attended the meeting with Woodlawn's Held. He said the departments made "dramatic changes" to make sure Woodlawn would have the money for the unit.

Woodlawn Fire Co. is looking to replace a 23-year-old tanker that is part of its appartus. Held said the new vehicle will have new safety features, such as an enclosed cab and rollover protection system, and a bigger engine and pump. 

He said the tanker would carry water to fight fires in areas of the township that do not have hydrants, including the northern section of the township.

Once fire officials obtain a purchase price, they will come back to the board of commissioners to seek approval to buy the tanker pumper.