The new “Engine/Tanker 84” has been completed and brought back to Union Bridge. Six committee members went to pick up the unit on January 21. Members arrived at the hotel in Grantsville on Wednesday evening so that we could be at the plant early. While on our way there, it began to snow and by morning, nearly 3 inches covered the ground.

We were informed about a week prior to the final inspection, that the bracket for the portable tank was not installed due to a manufacturer issue (Zico), however, when the committee arrived at the plant on Thursday morning, we were advised that the Zico bracket would be at the plant at around 11 AM.

With that in mind, committee members began inspecting everything on the unit, including paint, construction, alignment and many other items. As we were doing the inspection, employees from each division (electrical, pump, construction, paint, etc.) met with us to train us on each aspect of the new unit. At noon, we went to lunch and upon our return, eight employees were quickly working to install the portable tank bracket so that we could take the unit home, totally completed.

After the bracket was mounted, we moved the unit to the “drafting basin” to receive pump training. We were very pleased at the ease of drafting operations as well as all of the well planned pump set-up and operation. We also found that one of the valves had an issue, which was replaced within 30 minutes. With those repairs completed, we were able to leave the plant at around 3:30 PM.
Five different drivers each took a turn driving the unit on the way back and arrived in Union Bridge at around 6:30 PM. They were met by a large group of members eager to see the new unit. Several other drivers also took the opportunity to drive the vehicle around town and were impressed with its handling and turning capabilities.

With the blizzard that occurred over the weekend of January 22 through January 24, the unit remained in the station after it was parked. Driver training will begin as the weather and road conditions improve. Most of the equipment has been placed on the new unit and hose will be transferred as soon as possible. The expected “In-Service” time will be the first or second week of March, at the latest.

Anyone interested in seeing the new unit is encouraged to stop by and check it out. An open house will be held in late March or early April, that will include a “Housing Ceremony”.

The committee would like to thank the membership for its trust and support during the last year and a half. Many hours were dedicated to plan, specify and inspect the building progress of this vehicle, to insure that we would meet and exceed the needs of the department and the community, while remaining within our budget (which we did).