Last week 100 Mile Fire Rescue's brand new fire truck went into service.
Fire chief Dave Bissat said both he, his department and the District of 100 Mile House were proud to welcome this new fire engine to the hall. He and the paid-on-call firefighters spent the first two weeks of June familiarizing themselves with the truck before it officially went into service on Thursday, June 13. The truck cost $848,740.06.
"This project, four years in the making, demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our capabilities and ensuring the safety of our firefighters and community," Bissat said. "The decision by the Mayor and Council to replace this apparatus is a testament to their diligent planning over the years, and the department is immensely grateful for their support."
Bissat said this new vehicle was delivered by Hub Fire Engines/Safetek Profire and built on a customizable Spartan chassis specifically designed to meet the needs of 100 Mile Fire Rescue. Some of these specifications included the capacity to carry up to six passengers, efficient LED lighting, faster pumping capabilities and a larger water tank allowing them to bring more water to bear for initial attacks of a fire.
He further noted it also includes state-of-the-art safety features such as improved seatbelts, improved ergonomics, an advanced driver assistance system and airbags. These will help reduce the risk of injury to firefighters should the truck ever get into a collision while responding to an incident.
"This new fire engine will have a substantial impact on the community by improving the department's ability to respond to emergencies more quickly and effectively. The increased capacity and advanced technology ensure better protection and service," Bissat explained. "Furthermore, the enhanced safety features mean that firefighters are better protected, which is a top priority for the department."
This new engine replaces Engine Number 12, a Freightliner FL-80, which Bissat said has served the community for 28 years since being acquired by former fire chief Bob Paterson, deputy fire chief Ted Shields and deputy fire chief Joe Fisher. Tragically Paterson went on to lose his life in that same truck in a motor vehicle incident while responding to a call at the 103 Mile Hill on Dec. 18, 1997. The truck was then rebuilt and returned to the community.
"As the current fire chief, I feel a deep connection to this community, having been born and raised here, with my father and oldest brother serving as firefighters. I spent a lot of time at the hall as a kid and knew Chief Paterson both from the fire hall and as our barber at the old Bob’s Barber Shop," Bissat remarked. "While the old engine provided many years of reliable service, I am pleased to see it retired. The new engine's advanced features and capabilities represent a significant improvement for our department."
This new fire engine will help serve and protect the community for years to come, Bissat concluded.
