February 10, 2003
Albany -- The Albany Fire Department has two new fire trucks being put into service. This will mean improved protection for your home, and will help keep your insurance rates down.
These are the newest trucks in the Albany Fire Department fleet. Two 2003 Pierce Pumpers are being outfitted with full equipment, and will go into next week. The trucks cost 169 thousand dollars each, and were paid for with funds from Special Local Option Sales Tax Four.
Chief Jimmie Arrowood said "Equipment purchase going, prices on pumpers going up there, out of sight. If it weren't for SPOLST funds we'd be in terrible shape."
Both the new trucks will work in the County. One at Station Ten on Gillionville Road, the other at Station 8 on Newton Road. Their two oldest trucks will be retired.
The new trucks are more efficient and will save money. Chief Arrowood said "More dependable equipment and also the reduction in maintenance costs on an annual basis. There are some pretty sophisticated systems on these trucks and the older they get the harder they are to maintain. And after about 15 years it's almost impossible to find parts."
Sales tax money will pay for five more new fire trucks in the next two years.
Your fire insurance rates are based on a rating system. Albany's Fire rating is a 3, in the top 5 percent in the nation. Dougherty County's fire rating ranges between a 4 and a ten, depending on where you live.
The Albany Fire Department has a fleet of 11 first run pumpers, and two aerials placed in 11 stations around the county. They have 3 reserve pumpers and 1 reserve aerial truck.
posted at jimw@walb.com
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