Bardstown Fire Dept. takes delivery of first new apparatus in 15 years
Firefighters inspect the Bardstown Fire Department’s new firefighting apparatus that arrived in Bardstown Friday morning.
NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT
Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016 — The Bardstown Fire Department’s latest firefighting apparatus — a new ladder truck that arrived from its manufacturer, Rosenbauer American in South Dakota — was given a warm welcome by the firefighting community Friday morning.
A firefighter uses a wireless remote control to operate the ladder. The ladder can be operated from a control position at its base, or with the wireless unit if necessary.
Firefighters were pitching in helping wash and clean the gleaming new truck after its 900-mile drive from South Dakota to Bardstown.
The new truck features a 109-foot, five-section ladder, and will replace the department’s 28-year-old ladder truck.
Fire Chief Randy Walker said the new truck is considered a “quint,” which means it has the ability and equipment to perform five functions. In addition to the ladder, the truck also has a pump, a tank of water, an assortment of fire hoses and regular wall ladders. The cab has storage space available for firefighter EMTs’ medical equipment, and Walker said the truck may also carry rescue equipment like hydraulic rescue tools often referred to as “the Jaws of Life.”
The new truck will be staffed 24/7, Walker said. In addition to its many capabilities, the new truck can carry more water the the existing ladder truck and has a higher capacity pump.
The biggest improvement however is the load rating of the ladder. The old truck’s capacity was 400 pounds, which became a problem in the event the ladder was needed for a rescue, Walker said. The new truck’s ladder is rated at 1,000 pounds, providing a substantial measure of safety for fighting fires or conducting rescues.
As a cost-saving measure, the existing equipment that was still in good condition on the existing truck will be transferred to the new apparatus, Walker said. Members of the fire department will undergo training next week on the new truck’s operation.
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