NEWFANE — NewBrook Volunteer Fire and Rescue has completed a major project, in the works since last year, to overhaul its Pierce Saber pumper-tanker, designated 23-Engine 3.
This truck, in service since 1996, recently returned from the Pierce Manufacturing Company's plant in Appleton, Wis., following three months of renovation and upgrades totalling approximately $150,000.
“Pierce has done its usual excellent job, and today we have what is effectively a new truck,” NewBrook Fire Chief Todd Lawley said in a news release. “Now all we have to do is pay for it.”
That work included rebuilding the vehicle's 1,000-gallon-per-minute pumping equipment with new plumbing, gauges, and valves. The truck was given a foam fire suppression system, and all compartments were redesigned for improved access and convenience.
Scene lighting, too, was replaced; a backup camera was installed for safety; and new finish work and detailing were added.
As NewBrook is a private department, most of the cost of the improvements must be met by contributions from the communities the department serves, Lawley said.
On its website, www.newbrookfire.org, NewBrook Fire & Rescue says that “in an average year, NewBrook responds to around 190 calls, including structure fires, vehicle fires, EMS calls, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, cellar pumping, public assistance calls (for example, to help disabled people), distressed animals, securing scenes of dangerous, fallen power lines, and other emergencies.”
The site further says the department “amounts to about 60 active volunteers” - there are no paid staff - “including 20 firefighters, eight certified EMS responders, and about 25 support staff.”