(Cushing, Okla.) The City of Cushing now owns a 2007 Smeal 105 foot quint ladder truck at a cost of $400,000.00, not including equipment, lettering, etc. Purchase of the ladder truck was approved on Thursday, July 2nd (2015). The truck replaces the 1966 Pierce Snorkel truck that is out of service due to hydraulic failure.

According to Fire Chief Chris Pixler this apparatus is to be used for fires and/or rescue scenarios in multi-story buildings and strip malls i.e. Ahrberg Mill, hotels, Cimarron Towers, Hillcrest Hospital Cushing, as well as residential structure fires.

In the case of residential structure fires, this apparatus gives fire crews the ability to ventilate a home with limited manpower on scene. Beyond those uses, the truck is required within the department’s ISO rating for ladder service and provides additional pumping capacity to the City.

The ladder truck, which was originally purchased new by the city of Alton, Illinois, was recently taken out of service to sell due to an economic downturn.

Chief Pixler says everyone at the fire department would like to thank the citizens, and the city commission for their support in purchasing this truck, and their continued support for the department.

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