POCATELLO — The Pocatello Fire Department added a new state-of-the-art aerial truck built by Pierce Manufacturing to its fleet Tuesday, enhancing the department’s ability to respond to high-rise emergencies.
The specialized vehicle features a tiller design with a second driver in the rear and a 107-foot ladder, said Shane Grow, the Fire Department’s assistant chief of operations.
The new truck carried a price tag of $1.8 million and brings the Fire Department’s fleet to 10 vehicles, with two stationed at each of the city’s five fire stations. It’s the department’s second aerial truck.
The vehicle replaces an aerial truck that served for over 20 years. That truck’s ladder was only 100 feet, so this new truck will allow the fire department to reach new heights.
Most trucks in the Pocatello Fire Department remain on frontline status for about 10 years before moving to reserve status, then are retired.
The department’s retired aerial truck was purchased by the Central Fire District in Rigby.
“We were happy about that because it stayed somewhat local and a department that couldn’t afford a $2 million truck was able to buy one for a good price,” Grow said.
The new aerial truck will handle the full range of emergency responses, including high-rise rescues and structure fires.
“It gives us more maneuverability and ability to protect the higher structures in the community,” Grow said.
Chief Ryan O’Hearn said in a news release that this new fire truck will be a great asset in making the community safer.
“{!--StartFragment--}{span data-olk-copy-source=”MessageBody”}This is more than just a fire truck, it’s an investment in safety, efficiency, and the future of our department,” O’Hearn said in the news release. “The tiller truck expands our operational capabilities and ensures our firefighters have the best tools available to protect lives and property.”
The fire department will spend the next few weeks training its firefighters to use the new truck before it can go on missions.