The Ridgeville Township Volunteer Fire Department’s newest vehicle, a heavy rescue truck, was delivered recently. Built on a medium-duty truck chassis with a custom body, the vehicle cost more than $300,000.– courtesy photo
The Ridgeville Township Volunteer Fire Department recently took delivery of its newest vehicle, a heavy rescue truck.
Dexter Benecke, RFD chief, said the vehicle is built on an International truck chassis.
The body was custom-built to department specifications by Horton Emergency Vehicles, Grove City.
In addition to seats for two, there’s space for four firefighters/rescue workers in a separate compartment in the body.
The truck has a six-bank cascade air system, capable of refilling firefighter selfcontained breathing apparatus (air masks) at a fire scene.
The truck also carries extrication and other rescue equipment such as the Jaws of Life hydraulic rescue tool and heavy-lift air bags.
The truck’s price tag was about $306,000. A State of Ohio zero-interest loan for $160,480 was obtained to help fund the purchase.
Another $90,000 was contributed by the fire department. The money was generated through fund-raisers.
Remaining funds came from the Ridgeville Township Trustees.
The new truck replaces a 1994 step-van.
That vehicle, plus a 2001 pickup truck donated to the department, will be auctioned.
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