Apparatus

Two New Apparatus Coming to FL Fire Department

Feb. 14, 2020

Panama City's new $719,000 apparatus will replace rigs more than 15 years old. "There's a constant need for upgrading equipment. You don't think about it until there's a fire," the city's mayor said.

By Jacqueline Bostick

Source The News Herald, Panama City, Fla.

Panama City Fire Dept Apparatus Fl 5e471b63b8f54

PANAMA CITY, FL—Panama City Fire Department is pushing in two new rigs.

At Tuesday's city commission meeting, Panama City Fire Chief Alex Baird gave a presentation about the department's plan — and need — to replace its fleet.

In his slideshow, he listed the department's 10 trucks, including one that has practically aged out already.

"In Panama City, for 20 years, (a fire truck) will be a front line unit ... and then the last five years, it's put in a reserve," Baird said in an interview Wednesday. "Over a 25-year period, all trucks will get replaced at some point. We choose to do it every three years."

The trucks cost a combined total of $719,408, which will be paid in $136,943 installments over the next six years. The trucks will be delivered mid-March.

"There's a constant need for upgrading equipment," Mayor Greg Brudnicki said Tuesday. "You don't think about it until there's a fire. Sometimes, we have to go and help Springfield, and sometimes we have to go help other areas even outside the city. So, it's very important that we have the proper equipment to take care of the job."

Baird said the department recommended Rosenbauer primarily because American LaFrance is no longer in operation and parts have to be specially ordered, which can become costly.

With the purchase of the two Rosenbauer trucks, swapping out 2003 American LaFrance rigs, the city will not have to replace a fire truck for six years, "unless we need to," Baird said.

Although response times will not be impacted by the incoming apparatuses, the way forward is smoother with better equipment.

"They're going to be reliable, they are new trucks, and they are under warranty," he added.

Panama City Fire Department is looking to fill five firefighters positions and will hold agility tests Tuesday. For more information, contact the department at 850-872-3059.

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