| Since our last update on the new Engine/Tanker, much progress has been made, as well as a few critical decisions before the end of our long journey. It has been just over a year since we signed the contract and the unit is nearing completion. Several of the committee members made the trip to Meyersdale on Friday, December 18th, only a day after the unit came out of the paint shop. They had already began to run wiring, bend and install trim, mount cab cabinetry and began the process of mounting tools. The trip was made to take radio equipment and tools/equipment to the shop for placement, mounting and installation; and most importantly, to conduct a "Post-Paint Inspection". The committee members included Chief Green, Captain Harris, Lieutenant Marble and Engineer Plumer. After around two hours, most everything had been decided and laid-out in each of the compartments.
Then, on Tuesday, December 22, Chief Green and Captain Harris returned to the plant with a few guests. Chief Green had promised two of our long-time members several months ago, John and George Keeney, that he would take them up to see the operation at 4 Guys while the new unit was being built. Both John and George each, have nearly 58 years of service with the fire company and were very excited to see the new unit, as well as getting to meet those who were building it. They both commented that they were very impressed by the great work, the overall plant operations and the extremely friendly employees.
The unit is coming together quickly and will probably be going back next week. The delivery date is currently set for January 21, 2016, at which time several committee members will do a final inspection and complete “Basic Training” on the new unit before bringing it home.
On a side note, the current Engine/Tanker 82 is now operating as a "Tanker" only. Though we have hose and “tanker operation” equipment on-board, nearly all of the firefighting tools and equipment have been removed to be placed on the new unit.
Below are the pictures of the progress of the new unit. Dates are included with the pictures to separate the 3 day work span between trips. |
