Fire Districts Pay It Forward

The Union Fire Protection District recently placed in service a 1998 Pierce 75’ Ladder Truck.  A refurbishment was performed by Pierce Manufacturing to include ladder recertification, a complete paint makeover and various pump and mechanical upgrades,  The unit carries 500 gallons of water, 800’ of 5” supply line, several preconnected attack lines and a 1500 gpm pump.  The 1998 Pierce purchase was made possible when the Kearney Fire District purchased a new ladder truck making the 1998 model available for purchase.  “The 1998 model was in good shape and obviously well maintained,” says Union Fire Chief Russell Hamilton.  “ Equally important Kearney had the unit reasonably priced; making the purchase financially possible.”  Once Union Fire District took possession of the 1998 Pierce Ladder a refurbishment plan was created and the unit was sent to Pierce.  Upon it’s return Union Firefighters mounted equipment and made various in house installs.  With a newer ladder truck in hand Union made their 1989 Pierce Ladder available for purchase.  The Appalacian Fire Department located in Virginia pursued the purchase possibility and much like the Kearny, Union agreement the Appalachian Fire Department was able to purchase the 1989 Ladder truck. “Some of the surplus loose equipment that came with the Kearney ladder we did not have a need for and we simply forwarded that equipment to Applachian as this was their first ladder truck purchase for their community,” Chief Hamilton says. “This is another good example of how fire service agencies across the state and across the nation work with each other for the betterment of our communities.”