Clinton Township

Township acquires new ladder truck

By Nico Rubello
C & G Staff Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Donna Agusti Firefighters were introduced to the Clinton Township Fire-Rescue-EMS department’s new ladder truck during recent training sessions. Pictured here, firefighter Tom Schmid works the controls to level the outriggers, which lift the truck off the ground. This stops the weight of the extended ladder from tipping the truck over, if it is used over one side. Photo by Donna Agusti Firefighters were introduced to the Clinton Township Fire-Rescue-EMS department’s new ladder truck during recent training sessions. Pictured here, firefighter Tom Schmid works the controls to level the outriggers, which lift the truck off the ground. This stops the weight of the extended ladder from tipping the truck over, if it is used over one side.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP —The Clinton Township Fire Department will launch its new ladder truck into service sometime next month, fire officials said recently.

“We were trying to get into a new vehicle that was lighter in weight and had the ability to carry more equipment than the ones we’ve had in the past,” said Clinton Township Fire Chief Jack Shea.

In fact, the fire truck is about 20,000 pounds lighter, fire officials said.

The truck’s 105-foot aerial ladder does come equipped with a pipe to spray water. However, unlike fire engines, ladder trucks typically aren’t able to pump water by themselves. The township does have five fire engines in service.

“By getting rid of the pump, we opened up all that compartment space,” said Clinton Fire Chief Capt. Eric Moreton.

Shea added that the space allows the Fire Department to combine all the equipment that used to be carried on two vehicles onto just one.

“You just never know what you’re going to be faced with out in the field, but now we have the entire package together at one time,” the fire chief said.

The new truck will be equipped to handle a variety of different situations, including ground ladders, carbon monoxide monitors, power equipment and generators. The aerial ladder also aids firefighters in the event of high-height rescues.

The township acquired the used ladder truck, a 2003 model, in new condition from an equipment broker, Shea said. The broker took the truck as a trade for a truck with a 75-foot aerial ladder.

The township signed off on the trade after fire officials, including Lt. Jeff Yaroch, conducted about three months of research, including meeting a representative from the manufacturer in Alabama to inspect the truck with a fine-tooth comb. Shea said the truck was found to be in “immaculate” condition and came with a one-year warranty.

The truck was being outfitted as of Nov. 14.

Once ready, the truck will be stationed full-time at the township’s Fire Station No. 4, near the roundabout at Cass Avenue and Romeo Plank Road. The truck will be used throughout the township, Shea said.

“It goes everywhere it’s needed,” he added.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Nico Rubello at nrubello@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1118.