Karl Puckett
The Island Packet (Hilton Head Island, S.C.)
(TNS)
May 3—The Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department has added a new pumper to its fleet at a cost of $948,928.
The cost, which includes the equipment and an extended warranty, was paid for with city of Beaufort fire impact fees, a one-time charge to builders for new construction.
The Pierce Custom Enforcer PUC Pumper can pump 1,500 gallons of water a minute and has a 1,000-gallon water tank, Fire Chief Tim Ogden said. Besides the hoses, nozzles and tools needed for firefighting, the truck is outfitted with rescue tools for extrication and a cardiac monitor.
The truck will replace a 2011 Pierce Pumper that will move to reserve status. Under a fleet replacement schedule, a truck serves 10 years of front-line service and another 10 years in reserve status, the department says. A ladder truck is due for replacement next.
In October 2021, the Beaufort-Port Royal Fire Department purchased a new custom-built pumper truck at a cost of $800,000.
The latest truck was scheduled to go into service on Wednesday after a traditional wet-down ceremony at the main Fire Station, 135 Ribaut Road, where it will have its permanent home.
The Beaufort-Port Royal Fire Department, which has some 50 shift firefighters, operates out of four fire stations serving Beaufort and Port Royal.
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