The Pierre Fire Department has a new truck.
The 2020 Freightliner was placed into service this week and replaces a 2004 truck. Engine #1, as the new truck is called, is capable of holding 1,000 gallons of water and has a pump capable of shooting 1,500 gallons of water per minute.
Fire Chief Ian Paul says that the new truck is good news for Pierre for multiple reasons.
“From a fire suppression standpoint, the new truck meets all industry standards and is well equipped to fight fires,” said Paul. “Additionally, when communities have well trained and well equipped fire departments, community members realize better home insurance rates.”
Engine #1 was built by Spartan, a custom firetruck building company located in Brandon, SD. The Fire Department expects the truck to serve the community well for the next 18 years.
“Much to their credit, the City Commission has put a priority on equipment that helps us do our jobs efficiently and effectively,” said Paul. “Depending on the truck, we have been able to rotate them out every 15 to 20 years.”
The trucks that are taken out of service by the Pierre Fire Department are often picked up by smaller volunteer departments.
“The Onida Fire Department has already purchased the one we just took out of service,” said Chief Paul.
The Pierre Fire and Rescue Department has about 60 volunteer firefighter and two paid staff. The Department responds to about 175 calls each year and is equipped with four fire engines, a ladder truck, a rescue truck, two boats and a jet ski. Each year, the Department commits more than 6,000 hours of volunteer service.