“It’s a hell of a truck,” says Morrin fire chief Darcy Davidson as he looks at the department’s newly arrived fire truck.
The Morrin Fire Department’s 2016 edition Freightliner fire truck was delivered from Winnipeg on April 1 and with it came enhanced capabilities and protection for fighting fires in Starland County.
An enclosed pump control crown provides covered seating for six and protection for operators from the hazards of fire scenes and protects against the elements, while also providing a warm place to rest for accident and fire victims.
Increased seating to six from just three in the previous truck “eliminates the need to take your own car to the fire,” said Davidson.
The truck’s front mounted turret allows crews to pump and roll instead of only spraying while stationary, and the built in lighting mostly stops the need for flashlights. Equipment storage space has also doubled in size.
“It adds a whole new degree of safety,” said Davidson.
“The county’s fire program has been a big incentive for holding on to volunteers. Not a lot of guys want to go out at 3 a.m. to fight a fire in a 1970s Dodge,” Davidson jokes.
On the contrary, Starland County has been aggressive in keeping a modernized fleet for fire departments as a part of its emergency management plan.
“We try to upgrade all the time and keep things current,” said Reeve Barry Hoover.
The truck cost around $390,000 and replaces a 2004 Freightliner model, paid for by both Starland County and the Village of Morrin. The county will take possession of the previous fire truck.
Everything except the chassis and frame were built by the Fort Garry company in Winnipeg in just under a year.
“It hasn’t seen its first call yet. As much as you want to stretch its legs you hope you don’t have to,” said Davidson.
