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Smithfield's fire department pushes for new truck By
Kelsie Clark SMITHFIELD -- Several citizens became concerned when they saw two fire engines with flashing lights and blaring sirens arrive at the City Office during last night's City Council meeting. The small crowd dissipated quickly when they were informed there was no emergency, but the council, city officials and meeting attendees braved the cold, rainy weather in order to inspect the trucks and learn more about them. Smithfield Fire Chief Jay Downs identified the first engine as one currently used by Smithfield's fire department, and the second as the one he hopes will soon replace it. Downs says the city's current engine, a 1964 model, is outdated and unreliable. "We're constantly repairing it and when it goes down, we have no backup," he said. As Merrill Ross, of Ross Equipment Company, drove the new engine into the parking lot, the older engine looked small and old-fashioned in comparison. The new engine is large, bright red and polished, and Ross says, aside from its appearance, has many advantages over the older engine. "This engine has a much higher water capacity," he said. "It holds up to 1,000 gallons, while your old engine only pumps about 500." Pumping water from the new engine is also much easier and less complicated to learn, says Ross, while extensive training is required in order to pump water from the old engine. "Only a few of us guys can even know how to pump it," said Downs. In addition to holding more water, the new engine's larger size also enables it to hold five firefighters, says Ross. The current engine only holds three. Downs says the current engine has problems with its brakes and clutch, has no seatbelts and is difficult to drive. "This one [the new engine] runs smooth, really nice," said Downs. "It's just a good all-around truck." Council members seemed optimistic about the new engine. "This one just looks so much better," said Councilwoman Kris Monson. Contacted later, City Manager Jim Gass said cost is obviously a concern. "They're trying to write up a proposal now," he said. "We're looking at somewhere between $120,000 and $125,000." Mayor Ray Winn says discussion on the matter will continue at the next meeting, after the council has had time to review the proposal. In related news, the council approved a 15-year loan with Zions Bank to finance the new fire station. They also awarded the contract for designing the new fire station to C.A. Alliance.
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