
Le Mars Fire-Rescue Chief David Schipper introduced a new fire truck to council members.
The truck is a 2014 model, manufactured by the Smeal Fire Apparatus Company, of Snyder (NE).
“This truck is a little different than the other ones we have because it’s a quint, meaning it’s not necessarily a pumper truck and it’s not necessarily a ladder truck, it’s both,” he said.
Those include a pump, a water tank, a fire hose, an aerial device and ground ladders. Schipper describes it as a “one-stop shop” for all possible situations.
The $604,000 cost of the vehicle was split into three separate payments over three different fiscal year budgets.
The final payment of approximately $200,000 will be paid when the next fiscal year begins, July 1.
“It’s a great piece of equipment for our community, and our rural area, that we will be able to utilize for 25 years,” Schipper said.
Another feature offered by the new truck is a foam system.
Le Mars Fire-Rescue recently sold one vehicle and moved another to reserved status after nearly two decades of use.
“We had a pumper truck that was getting to its 20-year mark, so that’s why this truck was purchased. Because at 20 years you’re supposed to try to start replacing them and at 25 they like to see them put in a reserve status,” Schipper said.
The truck will begin going out on fire calls within a few weeks, after firefighters finish some final preparations, Schipper said.
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