ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Anniston Army Depot's Directorate of Emergency Services recently replaced their 100-foot, 1991 Pierce Ladder Truck with a new, 105-foot ladder truck.
"Ladder trucks have a life cycle of 20 years," said Donald Heard, chief of DES' Fire and Emergency Services Division. "The 23-year-old ladder was ending its career at Anniston Army Depot."
The truck being replaced was the second 1991 model truck the installation has had in service. The first suffered engine failure during a trip to Birmingham for repairs two years ago. It was replaced with a similar 1991 model while funding was secured for a new replacement.
After funding was awarded, it took Pierce Manufacturing 330 days to build the new truck and Heard was notified Jan. 16 the truck was ready for final inspection in Appleton, Wis.
"The temperatures in Wisconsin were in single digits at night while I was there and with about six inches of snow on the ground," said Heard.
Following the inspection, a driver from Pierce brought the new truck on a three-day, 900-mile drive to Anniston, arriving Feb. 7.
The truck features a crew cab which can hold up to six firefighters, a 2,000 gallon per minute pump, a 15 kilowatt generator, a lighting package which will enhance safety and several other features making the vehicle safer to operate.
The 1991 model had a 1,000 gallon per minute pump.
"The technology difference between the 1991 model and the 2013 model is impressive," said Firefighter Kevin Sparks, noting the rear- and side-view cameras that assist with reversing as well as the air ride suspension.
"We now have a state-of-the-art truck which has all the proper equipment to keep our personnel safe," said James Slick, assistant chief for the Fire and Emergency Services Division.
The firefighters were trained on vehicle operations by a Pierce Manufacturing representative.
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