New Bedford Adds Custom Built Tower Ladder Truck to Fire Department Fleet

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At a press conference in front of City Hall earlier today, Mayor Jon Mitchell joined with Fire Chief Michael Gomes and members of the New Bedford Fire Department to unveil a new custom built tower ladder truck recently acquired by the City of New Bedford.

The new ladder apparatus is the most recent example of the City’s commitment to investing in the infrastructure and equipment needs of its public safety departments generally and specifically in its Fire Department. Under the City’s Capital Improvement Plan, a long-term plan for addressing City facilities and equipment needs, the New Bedford added two new custom built fire engines to its fleet in the fall of 2014.

“The acquisition of the new ladder is part of the City’s broader Capital Improvement Plan and it is through that plan that we are able to modernize our equipment and facilities at a rapid pace while at the same time conserving taxpayer dollars. This type of long-range planning represents an entirely different approach to capital improvements than has been taken in the past and it is producing positive results,” said Mayor Mitchell.

This is the first ladder truck purchased for the Fire Department since 2008 and the first tower ladder of this type in the City’s history. The custom built truck was designed and constructed over the course of 14 months and features a 95 foot ladder with a rescue basket. It features a stainless steel body, galvanized rails, and is able to flow up to 2,000 gallons of water per minute.

Josh Souza / New Bedford Guide
Josh Souza / New Bedford Guide

“This new tower ladder gives the New Bedford Fire Department a set of capabilities that we have not had in the past. This is a game changer for us,” said New Bedford Fire Chief Michael Gomes.

Today, with the addition of the ladder truck, the Fire Department will again reduce the average age of its front line vehicles. Existing Ladder #3 will transition to reserve status and Quint Ladder #5 will be retired from service.

Under the City’s long-term Capital Improvement Plan, the City of New Bedford has also conducted exterior repairs to Fire Station #8 on Acushnet Avenue and interior repairs are about to begin. Funding is also in place to conduct major repairs to two other City fire stations.

Earlier this year, Mayor Mitchell announced the City’s commitment to construct a South End Public Safety Center to house fire, EMS and police services in a single facility that will modernize and better coordinate public safety services in New Bedford’s South End, as recommended by the independent public safety facilities review conducted by FACETS in 2015. This will be the first fire station constructed in New Bedford in over 60 years.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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