Verbena FD gets a new ride

VERBENA - If you've passed by the Verbena Fire Department in the last week, you've likely noticed a spic and span, brand new rescue truck.

The department was awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for $117,000 in 2004, which allowed the department to make the addition to their rolling stock. The truck arrived at the Verbena Fire Department last Friday morning.

"This will serve as our rescue truck but it has pumper capabilities," said Verbena Assistant Rescue Chief, Avery Dale. "If we were called to the scene of an accident and the car was on fire, the pumper capabilities would allow us to fight the fire, too."

The new truck - a 4-wheel drive GMC mini-pumper made by KME - has a 300-gallon water tank and is capable of pumping 500 gallons of water per minute.

"The truck has all of our basic medical equipment, extrication equipment and airbags, but it also has compartments for our air tanks, and will have a thermal imaging camera on it soon."

The VFD has been able to make many additions through grants over the past several years, including air tanks and turnout gear. The department has also been able to purchase a new set of "jaws of life" and an air bag system that is used to move and lift heavy objects. For example, if a person was pinned underneath a car, the un-inflated airbag would be slid under the car and then inflated. The fire department would then be able to free the trapped motorist.

Verbena's new rescue truck is currently in service and has already been called to action a few times.

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Verbena FD gets a new ride

VERBENA - If you've passed by the Verbena Fire Department in the last week, you've likely noticed a spic and span, brand new rescue truck.

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