FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Springfield Fire Department will officially place into service the new Ladder 8 on Friday, June 24. This new apparatus is replacing one which served our community for nearly 20 years. A formal wash down ceremony to welcome Ladder 8 will be held at 1 p.m., June 24 at Fire Station 8, located at 1405 S. Scenic Avenue. Members of the public and media are welcome to attend and help put the unit in service.
Recently delivered to the Fire Department, this 78-foot rear mount aerial ladder will seat up to five firefighters to respond to a variety of emergencies. Aerial ladders are responsible for rescuing people from tall buildings and ventilating structure fires from the roof to allow for smoke to exit the structure, and also carry specialized rescue tools for auto accidents.
The funding for this apparatus was provided by the continuation of the Level Property Tax supported and passed by the Springfield community in 2017. The total cost for the new ladder is $902,000, and required 490 days to be built.
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For questions or media requests, please contact Assistant Fire Chief Eric Latimer at 417-874-2317.