By Sheri L. Stuart, Staff Writer
The Flint Fire Department has unveiled a new addition to its fleet. Chief Raymond Barton together with Mayor Karen Weaver shared the news at a press conference on Monday, June 24. The department’s newest truck is equipped with a bucket and aerial platform ladder that can extend 104 feet. Chief Barton said the truck, which cost $988,000, is a welcome addition to the fleet and will be going into commission in a couple weeks.
“The truck was just delivered a few days ago. We want to make sure that our firefighters are trained on the truck and can operate it in a safe manner,” said Barton. “The truck was built by a Michigan-based company. That’s a good thing, and that will reduce service time,” he said.
Barton also said that the bucket and aerial ladder will make it possible for rescues from tall structures to be made in a safer manner. The departments other trucks only extended 75 feet and are not equipped with a bucket. In the past, the department had to call for assistance from outside agencies when rescues required the use of a bucket. Barton also explained that the aerial platform feature will improve Insurance Service Office (ISO) ratings and will lower insurance costs for Flint residents.
The fire department will also be getting new helmets, thanks to funds that from the Hundred Club.
