http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/springfield-fire-dept-introduces-new-equipment-community_62443.mp3
To celebrate the arrival of four new engines, Fire Station 9 is offering the public a chance to get inside one of the new vehicles. City Councilmen Jerry Compton is grateful for their hospitality.
“We’re glad to have this open house. We appreciate the firefighters opening up the facility so all of the people can come and see the new equipment,” said Compton.
During the mid to late 70s, the Department changed to yellow engines after a study found that yellow is a better color for visibility. The problem was that people didn’t recognize it as an emergency vehicle.
With the transition to red trucks, the Department can also benefit from new technology, as well. By using a Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS), they’re four times more effective than the average engine. With 80 percent foam and 20 percent water, hoses are lighter weight and fires are extinguished more quickly, which Captain Rusty Darnell appreciates.
“This piece of equipment has a lot of newer updated equipment and technology. It keeps our firemen safe and that’s our biggest thing. We want to send our guys home the next morning at 7 o’clock,” explained Darnell.
Captain Darnell thanked the many community members who’ve taken advantage of these open houses to come and support their local fire officials.
“We couldn’t have these new pieces of equipment without our citizens and without councilmen like, Jerry, we wouldn’t be in the position that we're in and we’re thankful to everybody involved,” said Darnell.
Two more open houses remain; Friday, June 21st and Friday, June 28th. They run from 6:30pm until 8pm.
Friday, June 21st
Springfield Fire Station 2
608 W. Commercial St.
Friday, June 28th
Springfield Fire Station 4
2423 N. Delaware
For KSMU News, I’m Amber Carr.