Verona Fires Up New Engine
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
The Verona Fire Department
has received its new 2003 Pierce Lance fire engine. The [black] and gold truck [...]
replaces Company 1's 1982 Pierce Arrow on the front line.
The Township Council approved the $513,125 purchase last
year.
A VFD committee analyzed fire apparatus growth for the next
20 years and recommended the buy. The department attempts to replace its
engines every 20 years, in compliance with international standards that rate
durability of equipment. After equipment reaches 20 years of age, the rating
drops.
Although not available this past week to discuss the new
engine, Chief Pat McEvoy told the Times last summer
that the Pierce Lance pumps 2,000 gallons of water per minute, 500 more than
the Pierce Arrow. Its six-man enclosed cab increases the number
of responders since firefighters are no longer allowed to stand on fire
trucks in motion. The old truck did not hold as many firefighters in its cab.
The new machine is in compliance with National Fire
Protection Agency standards.
The engine also has an enclosed pump panel, cascade system,
light tower, computerized maintenance monitoring, roll-up equipment doors and a
sensor that stops the truck from backing up if something is behind it.
The VFD picked Pierce because of the line's durability and
reliability, McEvoy said. A maintenance log indicated
the 1982 Arrow and the department's 1999 Lance required the least amount of
maintenance compared to the other trucks, he said. The brand also met all the
fire department's specifications.
While the Arrow will be taken off front-line status, the VFD
will maintain that truck as the township's only foam engine. It also intends to
use the truck for its auxiliary force, to the extent allowed by law.
Engine Company No. 1's current fleet at 880 Bloomfield Ave.
now includes the 2003 and 1999 Lances, as well as the 1982 Arrow and a 1975
Young/Ford as backup engines. Engine Company No. 2 at 209 Bloomfield Ave. has a
1992 Beck and 1984 LTI/Duplex.
The new engine should satisfy the department's truck needs
for another seven years, McEvoy said. At that time,
the VFD projects the township will need to replace a ladder truck, he said.
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