By Kim Norvell
The St. Joseph News-Press
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The St. Joseph Fire Department has a new, state-of-the-art tool to fight fires.
Crews at Station 6 customized the aerial ladder truck to fit their wants and needs, as well as meet the needs of the area they serve. Called a Roadrunner, the fire engine is a much updated and efficient version of the department’s two existing ladder trucks.
The firefighters at the Pear Street station spent nearly two years working with Rosenbauer America’s engineers to create the truck to their specifications, and it took about a year to build.
“We put a lot of thought into it,’ said Capt. Steve Dalsing, with Fire Station 6.
Its biggest advantage over the department’s existing trucks is its aerial ladder can reach higher heights " at 68 feet " and can pivot and swivel to spray water in any direction. It can even drop below ground level for fighting fires in basements.
“With the ladder trucks you almost have to have the fire come through the roof and then you can surround and drown it. This you can run it in the window, you can move it all around,’ Mr. Dalsing said. “You can operate it a lot easier and a lot faster.’
Other specifications include aluminum boxes to prevent rust; rear- and side-view cameras for the driver; keyless entry; and a built-in hydraulic generator.
The firefighters also spent time thinking about each others’ safety, and decided to bring their hose lines and attack lines to waist level " features that are typically on top of the truck and out of easy reach. In fact, a newly retired Station 6 fireman made that suggestion, which Mr. Dalsing said was the first of its kind for the company.
Fire Chief Mike Dalsing said the $693,300 truck was paid for through the city’s Capital Improvements Program, which originally budgeted $850,000. The leftover monies were used to refurbish Station 6’s old ladder truck, which will now be used at Station 12 on St. Joseph Avenue.
The Roadrunner is expected to be in service by next week.
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