Chief Manuel and myself recently traveled to Wyoming, Minnesota to complete the final inspection on the cities newest fire apparatus. The multi-point inspection was to ensure that the apparatus was built to specifications and that there were no defects or items needing to be changed prior to delivery.
The custom built Rosenbaur Fire Engine has been in production since October of 2021. Several production delays due to supply demands created a longer than expected build time. Building a custom apparatus has many pros and cons. This option has been chosen to ensure that we are getting an apparatus that will serve our community needs. It also allows us to be good stewards of city tax dollars, eliminating unnecessary options that are costly.
The following pictures are a glimpse of the inspection process. In the pictures you will see Fire Chief Mark Manuel and our salesmen Buck Breckenridge & Greg Moody meticulously inspecting the apparatus from top to bottom. You will also see the truck in the pump testing bay. The pump test ensures that the pump on the truck is performing correctly and is able to function correctly over an extended period of time. The entire inspection process took roughly 8 hours to complete. I am pleased to announce that the new apparatus, now named Engine 4, passed the inspection and is expected to be delivered sometime in the next 2-3 weeks.
A formal push-in ceremony, placing Engine 4 in service, will take place once Engine 4 has been equipped and personnel have been thoroughly trained on its numerous functions. A date for the ceremony will be announced at a later time.
On behalf of the Clinton Fire Department, I would like to thank the citizens of Clinton for their support of the 1/4 cent fire sales tax that was passed in 2017. This makes the third fire apparatus to be funded by the tax. This apparatus replacement program has provided newer and more reliable fire apparatus for our personnel to use to serve the citizens of Clinton. Your support is appreciated more than we can express!
