Ensuring improved safety for firefighters was the top priority as the Tatura CFA brigade welcomed a new, state-of-the-art heavy tanker to its fleet.
The $460,000 tanker, funded through the Victorian Government’s CFA Capability Funding package, is the brigade’s first new truck in three decades.
The truck will provide a safer, more reliable and more comfortable experience for the dedicated firefighting crew.
“It is a huge step forward for the safety of the firefighters while they do their part of caring for the community,” District 22 commander Rod Railton said.
“We’ve come a long way from the old truck.”
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said tankers were a vital part of the CFA’s fleet.
“These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,” he said.
“The heavy tankers feature a 15-tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4000-litre water tank, while their 4x4 capability and automatic transmission will help crews access fires in difficult terrain.”
The new tanker also features a modern interface with enhanced safety features, an electric rewind hose, as well as roll-over and burn-over protection to ensure the safety of the firefighters.
The new truck also has air conditioning, something the old truck lacked — a feature that will be appreciated by the hard-working crew.
The Tatura Fire Brigade has been a pillar of the local community for 130 years.
It has 65 members who attend around 110 call-outs per year, assisting with fires, explosions and rescues.
“CFA members are all the cogs of the big wheel, and this truck helps us as a part of that,” District 22 acting chief officer Rohan Taylor said.
Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes thanked the brigade for its hard work as she officially handed over the keys on Wednesday, April 18.
“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day for the safety of Victorian communities and I thank them for their dedicated and selfless service,” Ms Symes said.
“It’s a pleasure to officially present the Tatura Fire Brigade with its new heavy tanker.”