New Rescue 51
Later this summer the Northshore Fire Department will proudly unveil the newest addition to its emergency vehicle fleet. H & W Emergency Vehicles based in Hillsboro, OR, is putting the finishing touches on Rescue 51 which will replace NSFD’s current rescue vehicle, a 22 year old converted beverage delivery truck.
In the spring of 2004 an exploratory committee was formed to study the possible replacement of the severely outdated 1985 rescue vehicle. The Ford F700 was purchased used in 1995 and although the chassis is still capable of carrying a large payload, the engine and transmission are significantly underpowered, there is only enough seating for two rescue personnel, the on-board generator is not powerful enough to provide critical scene lighting, there are no breathing air filling capabilities, and there is no available space to add the additional rescue equipment currently required to make the vehicle compliant with NFPA regulations. Because the need for an updated vehicle was obvious not only to provide excellent rescue services to our community, but also to ensure firefighter safety, organizational efficiencies, and rapid response times, the committee began the research necessary to replace the existing vehicle.
Significant steps were taken to keep the vehicle cost to a minimum including: thorough analysis of our departmental and regional rescue needs, the detailed process of evaluating vehicle design, and efforts to formalize reciprocal resource agreements between surrounding jurisdictions. The purchase process strictly adhered to the appropriate bid procedure meeting all legal local and federal requirements.
The Northshore Fire Department is pleased with the results thus far which include such features as: seating for four rescue personnel, a powerful generator, and plentiful storage, all necessary features to ensure NFPA compliance, firefighter safety, and community needs.
Check back for updates, pictures, and a delivery date!
