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 EPHRATA--
Fire District 13 is fortunate enough to take delivery of
a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban thanks to the District being
selected for its fifth consecutive Wildland Assistance to
Firefighters Grant from the Washington State Department
of Natural Resources. The new command unit, only
the third piece of apparatus purchased new in the
history of the fire district, replaces the 16 year old
1991 Chevrolet Suburban. The purchase is more like
getting two rigs for one because the old Suburban will
be used by firefighters at the racetrack, for training
and as a support unit.
The new command unit received a
striping package from Signs by Terri. It also
received an all LED lighting package, center console and
GPS that was professionally installed by Emergency
Vehicle Installation of Bremerton Washington. This
is important as the professional installation will
increase the life of the command unit. The LED
lights are very bright adding excellent safety in
responding to calls. In addition the LED lights
draw less amps and thus is less ware on the vehicle.
A sliding command console unit will be added to the back of the vehicle
so that successful command operations including planning
and firefighter accountability may exist.
The total for the unit cost
approximately $45,000. Per the grant District 13
was required to pay for a portion of the unit.
This was paid for out of our small operating budget and
at no additional cost to the district's tax payers.
This command unit will provide the district with a
professional and practical command platform for many
years. This unit is utilized 24 hours a day as the
duty officer must be ready to respond at any moment and
coordinate resources from the scene. Dist. 13
would like to thank the Washington State Department of
Natural Resources for their assistance as the unit would
not have been feasible otherwise.
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May 22,
2007
