Chelsea Area Fire Authority’s new specially equipped mini pumper named Squad 6-2 has arrived in town.
The bright red, 96-inch wide, 26-foot, 8-inch long apparatus was driven from the Midwest Fire and Rescue Expo in Novi (where it was on display) to Fire Station No. 1 in Chelsea by firefighter James Gaken on Wednesday.
Gaken described the truck’s maiden trip as “smooth driving” and (that empty of water) the diesel “has got some giddy-up.”
It seats five, although it’s unlikely that that many firefighters will occupy it at one time, but the new vehicle will be utilized mostly on medical and accident calls, Chelsea Fire Chief Rob Arbini said.
And, because it can store 300 gallons of water as well as 20 gallons of foam, Squad 6-2 will also be useful on fire scenes, the chief said.
Because it’s smaller than most fire engines, the mini pumper will be easier to maneuver in tight spaces and be more economical.
CAFA put 10 percent down on the $258,000 purchase and has financed the vehicle over five years.
All the firefighters will have two days of training for the new vehicle, which will include learning how to use its added feature – a “booster reel” on which additional hosing will be stored. In total, there will be three 1 ¾-inch pre-connect hose lines and one 2 ½-inch pre-connect hose line on Squad 6-2.
It’s expected that the vehicle will be in service in about two weeks.
The vehicle will be housed in Station 2 in Lima Township.
