New firetruck in North Bench
North Bench Fire District firefighters pose in front of the newly acquired 1998 Sutphen fire engine.
Photo by NED NEWTON
The North Bench Fire District purchased a 1999 firetruck that arrived in town Feb. 27.
The Sutphen 4x4 fire engine previously served the Chaffee County Fire Protection District in Buena Vista, Colo. But it does not have a lot of hours or miles on it.
The new truck offers several features that improve upon the 1986 engine previously used by the district. Principally, it is all-wheel drive, so it will be able to access more of the district’s side roads and driveways that do not meet the standard for fire access.
Additionally, it can seat six firefighters, whereas the previous truck could only seat four. And it is outfitted with a remote-operated, high-powered light tower that extends from the roof.
“The light tower makes a big difference, otherwise you’re relying on a hat light or lights on tripods,” said NBFD Chief Ken Baker.
Before the truck is ready for action, the crew will install hoses, ladders and other tools, and the firefighters will have to learn how to operate the new system.
Baker said he expects training to be complete in a few weeks, and the truck will be in action by the end of March.
“We volunteer to fight fires, so we all need to know how to operate it because you just never know who’s going to answer the call,” he said.