FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Springfield Fire Department will officially place a new aerial apparatus in service on Friday, April 9, after a washdown ceremony at 3 p.m. at Fire Station 9, 450 W. Walnut Lawn.
The public and members of the media are welcome to attend and help put the unit in service. Masking and social distancing will be required at the event.
The 78-foot Rosenbauer Viper rear-mount aerial will be stationed at Fire Station 9. The apparatus cost nearly $900,000 and was funded by the voter-approved 2017 Level Property Tax initiative, replacing a 2001 Sutphen aerial device.
As this truck goes into service, it marks a change in call signs for the City’s aerial apparatus. Aerial apparatus are responsible for rescue of persons from tall buildings and ventilation of structure fires through the roof. Previously, the generic term “Truck” was used for aerial apparatus. The Fire Department is changing to either a “Tower” or “Ladder” designation. A “Tower” indicates a taller aerial ladder that has a bucket at the end for personnel to work from. A “Ladder” indicates and shorter aerial ladder without a bucket. Each type of aerial ladder has specific uses and capabilities. By changing the call sign to these types, incident commanders know more quickly what tools they have to respond to the emergency. The new truck will be referred to as Ladder 9.
“Since we have two different types of apparatus in the fleet, this change will allow us to ask for specific type of apparatus. One type could be more advantageous in certain situations than another,” says Battalion Chief Steve Stinnett.
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Media only: For more information, please contact Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Trogdon at 417-874-2301.