Retired fire chief John Jones helped christen Poplar Bluff Fire Department’s new fire truck this week. The truck led the Daily American Republic’s Independence Day parade on Tuesday, with Jones in the passenger seat.
Jones was instrumental in 1973 with bringing the department it’s first aerial truck, according to Fire Chief Mike Moffitt.
“It was only fitting for him to come out to today’s 4th of July parade, ride with us and share some history of days past,” shared Battalion Chief Stacy Harmon after the parade.
Firefighter Austin Armes, who was bestowed with the honor of driving the new truck in the parade, also commented that crews got to spend time learning from and hearing stories from Jones, who had done the job for more than 30 years.
“To see the pride in his eyes on what the fire department is and the new truck... (It) was an amazing time driving (the) chief through the parade and see the smile on his face,” said Armes.
The 75-foot aerial from the Leo M. Ellebracht Company replaces a 55-foot aerial that has been in service for more than 20 years.
The new truck was ordered more than a year ago and built with input from the PBFD.
The truck was received June 23. The PBFD has spent the time since getting decals placed by Southeast Sign Company, equipment installed from the city’s maintenance department and training firefighters on the new equipment.
“The main difference is this is a 75-foot aerial. We’re replacing a 55-foot aerial,” Moffitt said after it was delivered. “We’re replacing a 1997 model. It’s still running. That one will probably be put into reserve for now.” He said the old truck will still be housed at the current station location.
The new truck offers a larger horsepower engine, more storage and updated safety features.
Among those is the hose storage, which allows firefighters to load all of the hoses back onto the truck from the ground. The larger diameter intake hoses can be loaded with the assistance of a hydraulic bed that articulates out from the truck.
“With the older trucks, you have to climb on top of the truck,” said Moffitt, explaining this can be difficult, especially at night, in the rain or after battling a particularly exhausting fire.
Moffitt explained his fire crew recently underwent specialized training to familiarize themselves with the truck and new equipment. “the company we bought the truck from, they did send another training company down that trains specifically on these Smeal ladder trucks. They go all over the United States, every ladder truck that they sell, this company will train the department that purchases it,” Moffitt explained.
He said he expects the new truck to take on around 500 fire calls annually and emphasized his team’s enthusiasm in utilizing the new equipment, acknowledging its capacity to significantly improve the safety and efficiency of their operations.
“We are really proud of it and thankful to our city manager Matt Winters and our council for allowing us to purchase such a fine truck,” Moffitt said.
The city spent approximately $969,000 on the purchase, which was supported with grant funding.