Rehoboth Beach Fire Company announces new firefighting apparatus

“A brand-new type of firefighting equipment at the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company is now fully in service and ready to add to the protection of our 32-square-mile fire district,” said Fire Chief Chuck Snyder.  

With the aging of its current equipment, the fire company has started investing in a more modern and safer fleet of apparatus over the past few years. The latest piece acquisition, known as Rescue-Engine 86-6, replaces a 30-year-old fire engine and a 31-year-old heavy rescue truck.  Being budget conscious and recognizing the fact that there are fewer volunteers to run the trucks, the fire company purchased this new combination truck at a cost of nearly $700,000 from Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wis., and began training on it in October.  

The Rescue-Engine combines all the functions of a traditional fire engine including breathing apparatus, water, hose and pump with a heavy rescue truck that includes the jaws of life for vehicle accident extrication and equipment for many other types of rescues. The combination vehicle allows the fire company to have one piece of equipment do the work of two.

“The Rehoboth Beach Fire Company is fortunate to have a highly trained and professional group of volunteers and career EMS staff who work tirelessly to protect our neighborhoods and community. We are pleased to secure the purchase and deployment of the new Rescue-Engine to help our firefighters keep our area’s families, residents, visitors and businesses safe,” Snyder said.