0124 Prairie Township Fire Dept. blazing into the future with new truck, technology
By Robin Hauenstein
January 19, 2011
355
Summary: Prairie Township Fire Department took possession of its new truck, Jan. 19. Excited firefighters took turns checking out the state-of-the-art machine, which should be in operation within the next month.
Huddled in the dark garage, firemen patiently waited, taking turns to blow the loud air horn, turn on the lights, and point to the myriad of gadgets, digital readouts, and just overall beauty of their new beast. Wednesday, Jan. 19, marked the beginning of a new era in firefighting for the Prairie Township Fire Department with the arrival of its newest piece of equipment a rescue tanker truck.
With a price tag of $340,795, the 2010 Pierce Rescue Tanker, with a Kenworth chassis, was specifically designed by three Prairie Township firefighters, to maximize service to the community. Captain Josh Chrapowicki was one of the three designers, and he said the reason the firemen wanted to create their own vehicle was to meet needs, and save money. A combined rescue tanker cut insurance and maintenance costs, he said.
Chrapowicki was part of the group that picked the truck up late Wednesday at Finley Fire Equipment in Twinsburg. The truck arrived there from Wisconsin. Word traveled throughout the department, as first responders arrived to see it and climbed in and out of the cab, blowing the air horn, pushing buttons and looking at new features. All 24 members of the squad will be trained to operate it, and Chrapowicki said the tentative goal is to have the rescue tanker on the road by March 1.
While the truck cost so much, the department received a grant to cover most of the costs. Applying in 2009 for federal grant funds, Chrapowicki said you either get it or you dont, and the grant was awarded in February 2010. The grant, which paid for $261,250 of the truck, meant the department had to pick up the rest. Chrapowicki said the money came from the Prairie Township trustees, who appropriated the money from the fire fund. He wanted to emphasize that no increase in taxes was needed to provide money for the truck.
The new rescue tanker replaces two vehicles, the 1977 rescue truck and the 1983 tanker. Both vehicles, Chrapowicki noted, were costing the department money in maintenance costs. Its a Class A engine, he said, meaning it can replace the main engine, if needed.
High-tech features mean the rescue tanker truck can aid firefighters. The tanker holds 1,650 gallons, but will pump out a whopping 1,250 gallons per minute. It features a 10-foot telescoping light tower and a 10,000-pound winch. The department will now have five vehicles to use in emergencies.
Later Wednesday night, Chrapowicki said there was a meeting for all first responders as well as township trustees, who were invited to check out the machine, and see a demonstration of its features, and no doubt, take turns blowing the horn and turning on the lights.
Kutlines: #1: The 2010 Pierce Rescue Tanker, Engine 302, for Prairie Township Fire Department, was on display shortly after it arrived, Jan. 19, to its new home in Holmesville. The majority of the vehicles cost was absorbed by a federal grant.
#2: With first responders gathered around to admire it, the new Engine 302 was on display at Prairie Township Fire Department. Firefighters picked up the truck on Jan. 19, and hope to have it in service by March.
