By MADDY VITALE
The Ocean City Fire Department added a fire truck to the fleet to replace one that is more than 20 years old.
After a year wait, a new pumper truck, approved by City Council for $650,000, was delivered earlier this month.
Fire Chief Jim Smith said Tuesday that the department is pleased with the new and much-needed apparatus.
“The apparatus committee put a lot of time and thought into designing the new fire engine,” he said. “They’re constantly researching and tweaking ideas to create the best apparatus for the needs of our community.”
The pumper truck is by Pierce Manufacturing Inc. of Appleton, Wisc. The department has a fleet of five engines or pumper trucks, two ladder trucks, four ambulances, a heavy rescue vehicle and support vehicles.
The new truck helps the city in its ability to battle blazes and other emergencies. The truck replaces one that the department has had since 1992, which has been in reserve for 15 years.
Smith, who oversees 64 firefighters in his department, explained in an earlier interview, why it is paramount that the department has the best equipment possible.
“We are a densely populated community with both people and structures. The city supports us with fire equipment to help us do our jobs to the best of our ability,” Smith explained.
Back in 2017, City Council approved the purchase of a $1.1 million ladder truck, which replaced a 20-year-old truck. It arrived in 2018.
And in 2017, the department opened a new $2.1 million fire station on 29th Street and West Avenue, which replaced a deteriorated firehouse dating back to the 1950s.
Ocean City has three firehouses, including the department’s headquarters at 550 Wesley Ave.
