Department changes apparatus fleet

       The WRTFD has updated its fleet of apparatus and saved the community a significant amount of money at the same time. The fire department strategic plan called for the replacement of the departments rescue apparatus which was a 1998 E-One. This apparatus had served the community well over the last ten years but was developing a history of maintenance issues. Money for the replacement of the apparatus was approved in the 2008 budget. With the current economic climate and more issues on the horizon, Fire Chief Jeremy Pell decided not to purchase the new rescue apparatus but instead, convert the 2005 Saulsbury Tactical Support Unit into the new rescue. This decision saved an estimated $670,000 plus an additional $10,000 per year in maintenance and insurance costs by reducing the fleet by one truck. Understanding the current economic problems facing most of the country, WRTFD firefighters quickly bought in to the apparatus conversion plan. The department used money from the sale of the 1998 rescue to complete the apparatus conversion. The unit is now in service at Station 51 on Olive Branch Road. The rescue unit is a special assignment apparatus used to mitigate several different types of rescue operations not only in White River Twp but the surrounding areas as well. Many WRTFD firefighters are trained in Operation and Technician level rescue disciplines.