Working with the Miami Township Trustee and Advisory Board over the past several months, the New Waverly Fire Department has secured a new fire truck.
“New Waverly firefighters will be better able to meet the community’s needs and be better protected on their way to and from emergencies,” a press release said.
The current truck is is more than 20 years old and has needed extensive pump repairs over the past few years, which were not only costly but also took the vehicle out of service for weeks at a time as the complex repairs had to be performed outside Cass County.
The department said the new fire pumper will offer many advantages, including improved reliability and increased functionality. The new truck will have battery powered extrication tools, also known as the Jaws of Life. These tools will be able to rapidly deploy further away from the truck and give access for more difficult situations.
“The new technology has proven reliable and is significantly more effective than older hydraulic tools which are physically connected to a hydraulic pump on the fire truck,” the release said. “The old tools could be a hindrance when working to free victims far from the roadway or in a difficult to access position.”
The new engine offers more compartment space to accommodate additional equipment associated with the ever-expanding role of the fire service. The truck will have a 1,500 gallon per minute pump, stainless steel body and be powered by a 450 HP Cummins Engine and Allison series transmission.
The new fire engine was built as a demo unit by HME Aherns Fox in Michigan. Purchasing the demo unit will not only enable the fire department to put the truck in service years sooner than a custom-built vehicle but will also save tens of thousands of dollars, the release said.
Firefighters will be transferring equipment and training on the new truck and hope to have it in service shortly after January 1, 2025. Look for it at upcoming community events, and the public is also invited the public to stop at the fire station to see the truck and learn more about their local fire department.
“NWFD thanks Trustee Joe Pear as well as Township Advisory Board members Barry Jones, Tim Buffum and Missy Fields for their help in making this purchase possible and investing in those who invest in Miami Township thru contributions in the fire service,” the release concluded.