Let Us Introduce You to the New Ladder Truck 715
Today, the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department operates a 1998 Pierce Dash heavy duty Ladder Truck. For the past 18 years and over 130,000 miles, this truck has served our community. This unit is equipped with a 105 foot aerial device as well as over 200 feet of ground ladders, and many other forcible entry tools required to gain quick entry into any building during a fire or other emergency.
Recognizing the mileage and age accumulating on the Truck, a Ladder Truck Replacement Committee was formed by President Craig Baker on November 11, 2009. Twelve firefighters were assigned the task of developing the specifications for a new truck along with the management and coordination of its procurement and construction.
In February 2011, the BVFD submitted the specifications to MCFRS to proceed with a custom built Pierce Arrow XT 100 foot rear mounted aerial ladder.
In the years that followed, the BVFD focused on meeting the daily demands of staffing emergency apparatus, training new personnel, and raising the funding needed to make such a monumental purchase. The challenges faced by a volunteer organization continue to grow and the dedicated Members of the BVFD remained committed to this project despite personnel changes, new apparatus regulations, and NFPA standards.
On March 5, 2015, the BVFD obtained approval to proceed with the acquisition and construction of a 105 foot rear mounted Pierce heavy duty ladder truck.
Today, the BVFD took delivery of the new Ladder Truck. This custom designed, modern aerial unit will be placed in service after equipment mounting and training. A dedication ceremony will be announced during the next month.
The BVFD extends sincere appreciation to everyone in our community who has contributed to this vital piece of equipment. We also express our gratitude to all of the personnel who have served on the project committees over the past seven years, including:
2009 – 2010 Committee
James Hanson , Chair
William Rector , Vice Chair
Andrew Bowen
Justin Hale
Kevin Kane
Joseph King
Michael Nelson
Harry Saval
Charles Shyab
Andrew Tarbell
Jason Vogt
2013 – 2015 Committee
Glenn Fitzpatrick, Chair
Andrew Bowen
Jason Huntington
Michael Ryman
Len Newman
2015 – 2016 Committee
Michael Ryman, Chair
Andrew Bowen
Jason Huntington
Len Newman
Mark Bulla
A special word of thanks goes to Captain Michael Ryman who has managed the process through the final eight months of the project, including the acquisition of all equipment to outfit the Truck.
Please “save the date” for Saturday, October 1, 2016 when the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department will host Open House to our community. Come and see this and all of our apparatus, climb in the driver’s seat, and learn about fire safety, the fire house, vehicle safety, and the work of fire, rescue and emergency medical personnel.
Photo credit to Michael Newman.
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