By Stephen Cheslik
EAGLE TIMES MANAGING EDITOR
The next time dispatchers call on the Grantham Fire Department, its volunteer firefighters will be more prepared than ever to take on the task ahead of them.
Over the weekend, the department’s firefighters drilled on a new engine, an activity that was a little under the year in the making.
The new HME Ahrens-Fox fire engine replaces a “worn-out” 21-year-old truck, said Chief Justin Hastings.
Not only is the truck 21 years younger than its predecessor, but it is also more capable.
“This truck is designed for structure fires and alarm response,” Hastings said. “With the storage capacity that we were able to get, we are going to make it a combination truck — motor vehicle accident, rescue tools, low-angle rescue, water rescues, oil spills and any hazmat situations.”
Previously, the department’s trucks were pre-loaded to respond to a smaller number of incidents. But, the improvements go beyond getting to the scene with the right tools for the job, Hastings said. The new truck has additional lights that make it more visible on the scene and allow it to provide firefighters with more light to work at night.
Configured for a rural area without hydrants, the truck carries 1,000 gallons of water, allowing firefighters to immediately attack a blaze without waiting for a tanker.
“With that 1,000 gallons, we can do quite a bit,” Hastings said. “We would always try to get another truck, but it can do a lot… We can put out car fires and protect exposures of other buildings.”
The department’s budget plan calls for 20-25 years of service from its trucks. And, while the department had hoped to get another two years of service out of the truck being retired, it “was aging faster than we hoped,” Hastings said.
The capabilities of the new truck aren’t by chance. Selectman Warren Kimball, Retired Chief Jay Fountain, Peter James and firefighters Ryan Avery, Ryan Gallien and Cory Howarth spent “the better part of a year” and “countless hours” reviewing specifications and selecting the new truck, Hastings said. “They did a really good job.”
“We were supported by the town as always,” Hastings said. “They are amazing. They take care of us so we can take care of them.”
A ten-year-old truck serving as the department’s primary engine will now shift into the role of a backup, with the new truck taking the majority of calls.
“After 10 to 15 years, we try to rotate it out so it gets more use,” Hastings said.
The department handles about 150 fire and 200 EMS calls a year and provides EMS services at events.
“We do a lot more training than we necessarily have calls,” Hastings aid. “It is a good problem to have. We would like to have less calls. That’s not always possible.”
“We have a really good department. Our members are extremely committed to getting trained.”
Over the weekend, that training included getting to know the new truck, driving it and getting used to its pumps, making sure the firefighters “are safe and can respond well.”
Not every volunteer that makes a difference to the department will be on the truck, Hastings said.
“We take all types of volunteers. It’s not just about running into the burning building,” Hastings said. “We have a guy that just stepped up. He can’t be a firefighter, but he is going to help me write some grants to get equipment.”
The department trains from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. To volunteer, drop by and get to know the team, Hastings said. For more information about volunteering or making a donation, email [email protected].
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