Two engine rescues join Howard Fire Company’s fleet; replacing aging apparatus
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Marion Township Supervisors were presented with a plaque of appreciation for their help in funding the purchase of twin 2013 Pierce Velocity Engine Rescues and the expansion of the substation building.
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HOWARD -- Howard Fire Company recently held an Open House at their fire station on Walnut Street to celebrate the purchase of two engine rescue trucks.
The pair of equipment have joined the fleet of apparatus owned by the volunteer fire company.
Approximately 100 guests converged on the fire station to view the twin trucks and witness the dedication ceremony wherein municipality officials were presented with plaques as a thank you for their financial contributions and support of the purchase.
The two Engine-Rescue's are 2013 Pierce Velocity models, each with a 1500 gpm pump and capable of carrying 750 gallons of water.
Both apparatus are set up with both engine and rescue equipment capabilities which allows the volunteers to respond with less manpower in one truck instead of needing to operate and respond with two pieces.
According to Fire Chief Collin Alterio, "Although they are 10 years old, they are both in excellent condition. They came from Spring, Texas, a suburban area north of Houston, so there are no signs of rust from road salt!"
After months of searching for suitable pieces to compliment their aging fleet and researching purchase options, the fire company decided to go the route of buying used equipment, and were able to get two pieces for less than the price of one new engine that would fall into the ballpark of $700,000.
The fire company was able to purchase both of the Engine-Rescues for a total of $630,000. Down payments were made and the fire company was able to obtain two PEMA loans (only 2% interest) to finance $400,000.
Howard Fire Company has purchased these used Engine-Rescues to replace three pieces of apparatus that are much older. Those pieces were a 2000 Amercian LaFrance engine that has already been sold; a 1990 E-One Mack Rescue unit that is currently listed for sale; and a 1992 Seagrave Engine Rescue that was housed at the Marion Township substation.
The two units, now known as ER 14-1 and ER 14-2, have undergone equipment mounting completed by Deputy Chief Josh Collins, an engineer by trade and the owner of JAGER, LLC in Howard.
ER 14-1 will be kept at the main fire station in Howard, while ER 14-2 will be housed at the Marion Township substation.
At the dedication ceremony, Howard Fire Company formally acknowledged the support of and the financial contributions from four local municipalities that allowed the purchase to be possible. Howard Borough, and the township's of Curtin, Howard and Marion, provided funding from their American Rescue Plan Acts funds.
Each of the municipalities received a plaque thanking them for their support.