Fire Department is close to getting replacement truck
Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer
TEMPLETON The Fire Department is closing in on a deal that will put a new engine on the road, making its fleet more efficient and tightening emergency response times.
“We’re making progress in a great way,” said Fire Chief Ray LaPorte.
Funds for the truck have been raised entirely through private donations, which Chief LaPorte said is a testament to the community’s support for his department.
“There are enough good people out there who are stepping up,” Chief LaPorte said.
At a time when the department’s budget has been cut by 30 percent over the last several years, and is struggling to make due with outdated and expired equipment, Chief LaPorte said the new engine — coupled with the new ambulance put into service last year — are two bright spots in an otherwise financially tough year.
 | ||
| Templeton Fire Department’s 34-year-old engine will soon be replaced by one paid for through private donations. |
The new truck comes all the way from sunny Florida and is about 16 years old, Chief LaPorte said.
It will replace an engine that is more than 30 years old and has required extensive maintenance over the last several years.
Outfitted with a rescue/pumper set-up, the new vehicle will serve as an attack engine with rescue supplies, working as the frontline truck in emergency situations.
“It’s going to actually fill two roles,” the chief said.
“We’re going to take two trucks out of service and replace them with the new engine.”
Retiring two trucks, Chief LaPorte said, will save the department on maintenance and fuel costs.
It will also help the staff, already spread thin due to shortages, be more economical in its response.
“We’re all about efficiency here,” said Chief LaPorte.
The department is also reportedly quite close in its transition toward providing an Advanced Life Support-level ambulance service, which will see the town’s new ALS ambulance used to its full potential, as well as provide a greater level of service and generate more revenue at no cost to taxpayers.
The plan is currently sitting with the state as Chief LaPorte awaits final word on when a license will be issued.
for one it is not a NEW engine it is new to the town and is 15 years old so it is not a fix all it will buy many years of service before that needs to be replaced
ReplyDeleteWhile this engine is not new, it will be serviceable for many years. I ,for one, am truly grateful to everyone who donated time, money and materials to procure a "new to Templeton " piece of fire apparatus.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chief LaPorte for your leadership and forward attitude to take Templetons fire and rescue to a place it's never been.
ReplyDeleteThis town is better and safer with you as our Fire Chief.
Again Thank you.