Hilton's fleet The Hilton Parma Fire District has recently replaced the 1974 ladder truck with an American LaFrance 110 foot ladder truck designed to meet the needs of structures in their area. This quint ladder truck has a body made of stainless steel and holds 500 gallons of water. The apparatus features an American Eagle custom chassis, stainless steel body and a 110' ladder for maximum reach from the roadside. It is equipped with a 1,500 gallon per minute pump. The unit is powered by a 500 horsepower Detroit diesel engine and it also has an on-board generator to power fans and lights. The updated technology on the new truck enables firefighters access to the buildings in the area, allowing ladders to go further distances for rescues. The cost of the new truck was $598,000, all of which were taxpayer monies preserved in a capital reserve account that was established in 1997, at no additional cost to taxpayers. The older truck was sold in January 2003 to a broker in the midwestern United States. The Hilton Fire Department has currently trained 30 of their drivers and 25 ladder operators from their 100 percent volunteer organization in the use of the new fire truck, according to Assistant Chief Eric Guest. "Our ladder operators have been extensively trained in the use of this new truck, all on a volunteer basis. Without affecting taxpayers, we have provided a great service for the community as well as surrounding communities with the use of this new truck," Guest said. The new truck was put into use in the middle of August. It is primarily used for warehouse fires, and was helpful filling in at a warehouse fire in the city, as well as filling in for Greece Ridge. According to Chairman John Lemcke, the committee did extensive research into why a 100 foot ladder was needed. The committee found that the ladder was needed in the area "for area structures, including Hilton East." |
