The West Chester Fire Department recently acquired a Sutphen 100’ Aerial Tower Ladder Truck for $939,960 through tax increment financing.
The financing was generated from funds generated by commercial development and not through levy funds.
The 100-foot ladder will give the fire department a new tool in fire protection.
“The new aerial truck enhances our capabilities in providing excellent fire protection serving
the residential and business community,” Assistant Fire Chief Rick Prinz said. “West Chester has two 75-foot ladder trucks already in service, but neither offers the same capability as this new vehicle with a platform.”
The bucket or platform allows firefighters to operate safely while performing roof or rescue procedures. It will also help to suppress fire from a higher vantage point.
The new truck was purchased in 2009 from Ohio-based Sutphen Corporation and required nearly a full year to assemble to specifications. Typical of most ladder trucks, this one has a pump that can deliver 2,000 gallons of water per minute, carries fire hose and can dispense Class A foam.
The vehicle will be housed at Fire Station 71, which is located at 9119 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, and will respond to most high hazard fire alarms and structural fires.
Fire Station 71 also serves as the township’s fire headquarters.
Every firefighter will be trained in the use of the equipment. Specialized training will be provided to a handful of firefighters who will be certified to drive the vehicle, which is longer and handles differently than the current trucks owned by West Chester.
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