DECATUR -- The success of any fire department, whether municipal or rural, depends on two elements: personnel and equipment. Exceptional firefighters are only as good as the tools they have at their disposal.
The Decatur Fire Department recently added a new rescue truck to it arsenal of nine fire and rescue vehicles.
During the June 8, 2015, Decatur City Council meeting, Fire Chief Jeremy Luker presented a proposal compiled by Deep South Fire Trucks, Inc., for a new 12-foot rescue unit to replace the department's aging rescue and brush truck.
The cost for the new truck was $128,454, which includes a lifetime warranty. The department asked three financial institutions for a loan on the new truck. Grand Savings Bank came in with the lowest interest rate. After the presentation, the council voted to approve the purchase of the new truck.
It took almost one full year to complete the conversion of the 2016 Ram 5500 Heavy Duty crew cab rescue truck. The truck was delivered to the Decatur Fire Department May 15 and, after fitting the truck with the necessary rescue equipment, it went into service June 1.
The new truck is equipped with four bays, each with its own sliding door. A heavy duty winch is attached to the front bumper for water and mountain rescues. The cab can accommodate four fire fighters and their gear.
On June 11 and 12, the Decatur Fire Department took Rescue 2451 to Crystal Lake airport for driver competency training. The course consisted of eight stations which the driver must complete in a designated time period. Drivers were penalized for brushing, moving or overturning any cones along the course, missing the measured mark on the docking test or parking outside the 12-inch limit. Every driver had six runs at the course.
The Decatur firemen navigated the course with the precision of a well-oiled machine. The lowest score -- and, in this case, the best score -- was that of Chief Luker.
Rescue 2451 is a welcome addition to the Decatur Fire Department. It will provide the department with the added edge it needs to complete each mission it is asked to perform for years to come.
General News on 06/22/2016