This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

12/11/2017 11:00 PM

Old Saybrook Firefighters Donate High Water Rescue Truck


This former military truck has been equipped as a fire truck and donated to Old saybrook by the town’s volunteer firefighters.Photo courtesy of the Old Saybrook Fire Department

Old Saybrook Firefighters donate more than time to save town funds and improve safety: Firefighters recently used donations from fundraising efforts to purchase and equip a 1991 former military 6x6, five-ton truck as the town’s new combination brush fire and high water rescue vehicle. The new truck has been donated to the town.

This five ton vehicle replaced a 1970 military 2 ½ ton vehicle. Firefighters formed a committee to research and locate the proper vehicle. They then painted and fully outfitted the truck with the necessary equipment and tools to put it in service for the town.

The truck carries 635 gallons of water and has a separate foam cell. The fire pump can draft water from a pond or river and the truck carries 400 feet of hose located on two electric reels. The pump has capabilities to supply other vehicles if needed during forest fires.

In the event of flooding or a hurricane, the firefighting equipment on the truck is mounted to a skid plate which is quick and easily removed. This allows the truck to function as a high-water rescue vehicle. During hurricanes Sandy and Irene, the Fire Department used the former military vehicle several times to rescue people from flooded areas to dry land. This also keeps the town’s main firefighting apparatus from operating in flooded areas with brackish salt/fresh water. The new five-ton truck is much taller than the old vehicle and has capabilities to drive in deeper water.

If the town purchased a new vehicle, specially designed for the tasks that this former military truck can accomplish, it would have cost taxpayers in excess of $150,000.

The Fire Department raises funds by holding an annual golf tournament, letter fundraising campaign, and fill the boot drive. Old Saybrook taxpayers save more than $4 million annually through the commitment and dedication of its volunteer firefighters and their families that support them.

Any resident interested in joining the Old Saybrook Fire Dept should visit www.oldsaybrookfire.com.

A high-pressure, low-volume pump can pull water from ponds or streams, or be removed altogether for water rescue service. Photo courtesy of the Old Saybrook Fire Department