Wilmington Fire Department to roll out new $1.2 million fire truck
The new fire vehicle also sets a record in New Hanover County as the tallest fire apparatus.
WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - The Wilmington Fire Department will put its new aerial truck, valued at nearly $1.2 million, into service on Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m.
The new fire truck, a 2018 Pierce Velocity Ascendant Tandem Axle 107’ Aerial, is replacing a 21-year-old truck.
The truck is “completely furnished with all new equipment, including a battery operated hydraulic cutter and spreader, better known as the ‘jaws-of-life,’ and complement of ground ladders totaling 167’,” according to a press release.
The new fire vehicle also sets a record in New Hanover County as the tallest fire apparatus with a ladder designed to withstand 35 miles per hour sustained winds while fully extended at 107 feet vertically or 100 feet horizontally.
“The soon-to-be christened Truck 7 offers our firefighters increased hearing protection with a fully sealed passenger cab, in addition to front and side compartment airbags that will give our firefighters more protection in the event of a side roll over or frontal impact collision,” the press release reads. “The Hi-Viz LED light and siren package provides a greater visibility to public of our first responders as they are responding to emergencies.”
A budget of about $1.3 million was allotted for the purchase in July 2017.
The truck was ordered from Pierce Manufacturing Inc., based out of Appleton, WI, in January 2018 for a value of $1,189,000, falling below the budgeted amount by $161,000.
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