As cities grapple with budget constraints, one local fire department has found a creative way to quickly extend the life of its aging equipment without breaking the bank. The Cornelius-Lemley Fire Rescue has shipped off their trusty Rescue 4 truck for a timely refurbishment, a move that promises to nearly keep up with the latest in innovation and safety, according to Cornelius-Lemley Fire Rescue's recent social media update. The 2006 Pierce Dash, affectionately dubbed “The Mutt,” is set to undergo a transformation that breathes new vigor into the nearly 20-year-old vehicle.
With the upgrade being a part of their Capital Improvement Plan, the department is opting to refurbish rather than replace, a decision that is poised to significantly save costs. The renovation is expected to tackle major issues and enhancements, both mechanical and cosmetic, while the truck is sidelined for 8-9 months. During a briefing, the fire department shared, "This refurbishment is significantly cheaper than purchasing a new truck and will take care of everything we need for years to come."
Rescue 4 has been at the cornerstone of the department, flawlessly responding to numerous precarious incidents over its tenure. Its temporary absence from the fleet isn't expected to dampen the fire department's rescue capabilities. In the interim, Hook & Ladder 44 will step in to fill the void with a similar set of equipment that Rescue 4 carried.
As for the community they serve, the fire rescue team assures continuity in emergency responses, stating, "In the meantime, our Rescue abilities will virtually remain the same." They go on to reassure that, "Hook & Ladder 44 is equipped with essentially the same equipment the Rescue had on it, so we’ll still be providing the same great services that we always have!" Indeed, the Cornelius-Lemley Fire Rescue demonstrates a proactive stance in maintaining their operational readiness, ensuring that safety peaks stay unshaken even during the apparatus's upgrade process.
