Department's new pumper makes debut
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Shannon Crabtree Almost Ready The new El Campo Volunteer Fire Department Pumper truck has arrived, but is still being outfitted for service. Those attending the fire department's Appreciation Supper Monday got the first look at the new suppression unit. The truck is equipped with a compressed air foam system which requires extensive training before use.

Attendees at Monday night's El Campo Volunteer Fire Department Appreciation Supper got the first look at 1231 - the department's new pumper unit.

The $589,362 Velocity custom triple-combination pumper was built at the Pierce fire apparatus plant in Appleton, Wis., and purchased with city of El Campo dollars through Martin Apparatus of Denton.

Although the pumper was delivered several weeks ago, it has not been placed into service yet. The department is still in the process of equipping the unit and training personnel on how to operate its specialized firefighting equipment.

The pumper has a compressed air foam system which will allow volunteer firefighters to use less water when battling blazes.

The upgrades to the department's fleet may also assist with the city's ISO rating which could lower insurance costs.

The Insurance Services Organization rates are based on water supply and delivery systems as well as fire department equipment and response. That data is used in determining how much home and business owners will pay for insurance.

This fire suppression unit is the first the city has agreed to buy since 1995 when the department's aerial ladder truck was replaced with funds from a voter-approved bond.

Since then, ECVFD has replaced three of its eight suppression units using grant or donation dollars.