Standing next to Kittanning Hose Company #1’s newly-acquired pumper are seven junior firemen: (L-R) Dominick Hartmann, 17; Terry Miller, 14; Bradly Kyle, 17; Dakota Walker, 18; Sye Cicero, 15; Luke Hura, 14; and Colin Kline, 16.
A 1993 Spartan pumper truck was recently placed into service following its purchase by Kittanning Hose Company #1.
The vehicle, purchased from Irwin, features a stainless steel cab with an aluminum fire rescue body, and a pump capable of delivering 1,250 gallons of water per minute.
Fire Chief Gene Stephens said that another pumper was considered because of the condition of their other pumper.
“We decided to purchase it now because it was a good buy and the truck that we have now - the 1986 Seagrave - we’re starting to put some money into pumps and this and that, and it’s starting to rust on us,” Stephens said. “This Spartan truck won’t rust on us because it’s stainless and aluminum so it’ll last us another good 15-20 years, as long as we keep it certified and updated”
The Chief said they are not going to sell the older pumper, even though it has some problems.
“We’re going to run both of them. We’re going to run that one until it goes so bad you can’t run it anymore.”
Stephens said that with his current junior firemen, they will be trained and the Spartan pumper.
“You see I got a group of young guys coming in. I’ve got seven that range from ages 14-18. So, basically, this is their truck. This is their next generation truck.”
Stephens said the earliest a teenager can apply to be a junior firemen is 14-years-old.
“As soon as you turn 18, you become a senior fireman. There’re restrictions on what they can do. They can’t enter a live fire or burn building or anything like that, but there’s a lot of stuff to do outside. There’s just as much important stuff to do outside on a fire call as there is inside - dragging hose, pulling ladders, getting tools off trucks for guys, so they’re just as important as anybody else. It takes everybody and effort to get the job done.”
Stephens said that recently the pumps on both trucks were pulled and tested.
“Our pumps went down to First Out in Moon Township and they ran a test on them including a vacuum test and everything. We sent it down there and he runs vacuum tests and works on things that need fixed so it’s good to go. We’re probably going to schedule next year to actually get the pump tested like (Hose Company) #4 just did so we can get it on paper and get it certified. But, everything else is tested. Air bottles are tested. All the ladders are tested.
In addition to testing of equipment, Stephens said that the fire fighters are also trained in proper use of the equipment.
“We have reviewed with people who are driving it. We’ve already been out pumping it already. I feel safe and secure that we have at least 6-7 guys trained on driving and pumping it. And everybody’s been looking over it, where tools are located, so, I feel safe and secure for it to be in service.”
Stephens said the fire department continues to consider applications for new members.