Lynn Fire pumps for new engine

LYNN – With the help of city funding, the fire department received a new pumper truck at the Broadway Fire House on Tuesday, which will be the largest engine in their emergency equipment.

“It is definitely a moral boost for employees when they see new equipment coming because they know they are getting reliable equipment, which shows that the city and the ministry have an interest in making it available to them what they need for work. Said Lynn Fire Chief Stephen Archer. “Of course it’s always great to have new things. It has that new truck smell. “

The new engine cost $ 565,000 and was funded by the city. Mayor Thomas M. McGee and the city council approved funding for the replacement of two engines for the fire department.

The engine has a 1,000 gallon water tank that will provide the department with a good, steady supply of water in the event of Lynn Woods bushfires, which are quite common in the warmer months, Archer said. It will also be able to work longer in some scenarios while waiting for other trucks to arrive.

The truck is painted in a red and black color scheme that Archer thought was sharp. Traditionally, all Lynn devices were white-over-red, Archer said, but he asked for the opinion of fire service members before buying it, and the black-over-red option was their clear favorite.

Archer said the truck will be up and running in a couple of weeks because the department first needs to install some after-market equipment like cellular and an OptiCom system that controls traffic lights for emergencies, and train firefighters on them. the Broadway fire The house crew will take a four-day vendor training course next week, Capt. Said. Ed Miles.

There’s a lot of electronics in the new trucks, Miles said. Some functions that used to be mechanical look the same but work completely differently. There are lots of warning lights, switches, and sensors, and the firefighters can’t drive the truck until everyone is buckled up.

The high cabin of the new truck allows the fire fighters to stand up and stow their equipment. The cabin is well lit and can accommodate five people, although usually only three people are on the phone at the same time.

“It’s a lot more comfortable and brighter,” said Miles.

When the exchange was approved, the manufacturer happened to have a new vehicle in stock. Currently, it takes 20 months for a new truck to be delivered after the department sends the requested specifications. The new engine was manufactured by E-One in Florida and purchased through a Massachusetts-based dealer. Greenwood Emergency Vehicles, LLC of North Attleborough.

“We think it’s a quality product. It provides what we need, â€said Archer, adding that the Lynn Department of Public Works, which does the maintenance and repairs for the fire department, also prefers this brand and is convenient to service.

The old 7 and 9 engines that are being replaced have been in service since 1999 and 2002, with 94,000 and 115,000 miles back, respectively.

“These trucks have served us well. They gave us everything they have, â€said Archer. “We need reliable equipment to serve the city and we take full advantage of these trucks, sometimes they outlive their lives. From an economic point of view, it makes more sense to partially offset the high maintenance costs that are incurred with the older vehicles and also from a safety point of view. “

In a town like Lynn, Archer said, trucks typically last 10-15 years before they’re no longer suitable for frontline service.

“In reality, we’re going to do it a little longer,” said Archer. “You worry about breakdowns before we arrive at the scene, you worry about breakdowns at the scene, as well as the safety of the staff on the truck and the safety of the public when these trucks have exceeded their service life.”

Depending on the condition of the vehicle, old devices can be auctioned off as a replacement device, as a trade-in or at an auction.

The new engine is bigger than the old Engine 7, so the division sent the existing 500-gallon Engine 10 from Broadway to the Pine Hill Station making it the new engine 7. So the new big engine engine 10.

With the current waiting times, Engine 9 will probably be replaced next year, said Archer. The department will receive a new cart in three weeks, which was financed by one grant.

“Fortunately, right now we have the mayor and city council who understand the importance of public safety and are committed to providing us with the necessary equipment,” said Archer. “We try to keep track of what needs to be replaced.”