Lantzville Fire Rescue has new fire fighting power.
The district’s half-million dollar frontline fire engine arrived this month.
It’s the first custom-built chassis for the fire department, with enhanced safety features for firefighters, better lighting and the storage capacity to allow it to become both a pumper and rescue truck in the future.
The engine is also expected to maintain the community’s insurance rating.
Fire Chief Tom Whipps said the truck will be a big benefit to the community and it’s a relief to get it.
“It’s always good to see a lot of hard work come together,” he said, crediting a committee of four or five members. “The next step is to complete the training and put it into service.”
The bright-red truck, nicknamed “April” by the fire chief, was approved for purchase in 2013 following replacement recommendations in a fire underwriters survey. Costs were originally estimated at $375,000, but has seen increases to the budget, including by $8,523 last year to accommodate changes around service and safety.
The district paid a net $524,354, which includes a GST rebate. It also plans to sell the 34-year old Engine No. 4 for surplus.
The new truck is expected to be in service when training is complete in four to six weeks, but will be on display for residents at the department’s annual garage sale Saturday (April 18).