Emma Pritchard
As summer approaches, Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station have welcomed the addition of a new $470000 fire truck to better equip local crews when responding to emergencies.
Boasting an impressive automated compressed air foam system to combat chemical, petrol and bush fires, the truck is also fitted with a high-pressure hose reel and a mobile data tablet, enabling crew members to view the latest weather warnings, GPS coordinates and a map of the area during a call out.
Describing the new vehicle as a quantum leap in terms of upgraded equipment and driveability for crew members, Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station Captain Garry Reardon is very happy to see it parked in their driveway.
The new vehicle also has a pump that supplies upwards of 3000L of water per minute for firefighting operations, and Captain Reardon said having the availability of the new appliance will allow crews to be more effective.
“Every second counts when responding to an emergency and having an appliance such as this new truck will help to increase our efficiency, which is great,” he said.
Craig Phelps, who has been a firefighter in Grafton for the past five years, said the new vehicle has been well received by local crew members.
“We’re all really pleased to have it available for call outs, which could happen anytime, and it will help to make our jobs a bit easier because we now have all this new equipment to use,” he said.
The vehicle was officially welcomed to the Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station fleet on November 5 during a ceremony attended by Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter.
Mr Gulaptis said the new truck is a terrific addition to Grafton and it will greatly enhance fire protection and emergency response within the local community.
“Our local firefighters, who all do such a terrific job, are now better prepared to meet the needs of the community,” he said.
“We continually see how hard our skilled firefighters work to keep us safe when fires and emergency situations threaten, and I offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to our FRNSW personnel for their outstanding efforts.”
As he addressed the local crew members and guests at the ceremony, Mr Elliott reiterated the NSW Government’s commitment to providing firefighters with the best equipment and technology available to support their vital work protecting life and property.
Mr Elliott also referenced “a lovely tradition” he established as the Minister for Emergency Services. “Every time there is a new vehicle, for the first 12 months whenever you use it and bring it back, the local member will wash it for you,” he said humorously.