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| Butler Fire Chief Jason Bennett and Captain Jason Wix officially unveiled a new brush truck that is replacing a 37 year old truck in a very useful way as it will also serve as a rescue vehicle |
Brush and grass fires present a special challenge for firefighters as they are often in areas ‘far less traveled’ and having the properly outfitted/reliable equipment to get the job done is essential. According to Butler Fire Chief Jason Bennett, the new truck has finally arrived and the finishing touches are being done to get it on the road. “Chip shortages” said Bennett “was the reason it took so long to get this truck. But it’s here and we’re moving quickly to get ready for service”.
First, the conventional bed was removed and replaced with a flatbed complete with a slide-in firefighting unit with pump, hose, wand and a 200 gallon water tank (which was partially financed by a grant, saving the city about $3,000). Likewise, tool boxes are installed for needed items and something extra: “This truck will also serve as a secondary rescue unit, complete with Hurst tools (extracation equipment) and other necessary items needed for accidents and medical emergencies” said Bennett.
The 460 cubic inch V8 powered, four wheel drive one ton truck features dual batteries, dual alternators, a winch, and a cab big enough for several personnel making it more than capable of handling most any situation. It also comes with modern technology, including LED lighting that is highly visible, reliable and low maintenance.
And while the truck purchase was budgeted, the department is working to save money by doing the finish work as including mounting of equipment , radios, antennas and tool boxes- plus a custom handmade communications and lighting console that is handcrafted by Captain Jason Wix which is estimated to save several hundred dollars. All work is expected to be completed with in a week or two.
Combining use of a brush/rescue truck “was necessary” Bennett noted. And necessary it is- while Butler Fire typically runs 40-50 total calls a month, they are already at 30 mid February which means they are busier than usual, and having extra resources available is a huge asset as very often calls for accidents or fires literally happen at the same time. In fact, the department ran a total of 497 calls for service last year; and based on the current trend this year will bring even more as Butler Fire now accompanies the Bates County ambulance on medical calls.
The public is always invited to ‘take a closer look’ at the equipment in the Butler fire station and feel free to chat when you see crew members are out and about. Likewise, calls for service are ever increasing and thank-you’s are always appreciated as crews get called out literally any time day or night, often for hours at a time, diligently helping those in need.
