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The Victoria

GAZETTE

May 2011

VICTORIA FIRE DEPARTMENT PUTS IN REQUEST

FOR THIRD FIRE ENGINE TRUCK

         Councilmembers met in the Community Room at the Victoria Fire Station on Monday evening, April 25th, for a 5 o'clock workshop and demonstration by the Victoria Fire Department.  Firefighter Brian Pulvermacher took the lead in the "indoor classroom," while Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Heger spoke in the "outdoor classroom."  Purpose of the gathering:  to demonstrate the need for a new fire truck and respond to concerns and questions of the council.

         Brian reported that a Truck Committee has been meeting every week with "future truck planning" in mind.  Most members of the Truck Committee attended the workshop and were introduced to councilmembers along with the year they joined the Victoria Fire Department:  Rick Leuthner (1978), Clint Matvick (2005), Brian Pulvermacher (2007), John Wongdock (2003), Laura Wood (2009), Andrew  Heger (2001), Aaron Jurek (2000), Chief Tim Walsh (1987).

         Stated Councilmember Tom O'Connor, "It's an awful lot of money you want us to spend and we want to be comfortable with it." 

         Stated Councilmember Kim Roden, "I'm going to be asking you, What are we doing to consider options such as partnering with other cities on capital equipment and other issues?  I want the pluses and minuses of the options.  Money is limited."

         Agreed Councilmember Jim Crowley, "What are all of the options and the ramifications of each?  We can buy a new truck, not buy a new truck, share a truck, lease a truck."

         Firefighter Pulvermacher then introduced councilmembers to the Guiding Principles and Key Decision Drivers used in determining equipment needs.  He also used a spread sheet to show costs and years of possible equipment replacements.  "Safety is our first and foremost priority," he said, of both firefighters and community.  "To run a fire department is expensive.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.  We've started to look at some vehicles out there and you can get wild if you want.  You can go well over a million dollars with a ladder truck."

         In pointing out current assets of the Victoria Fire Department, he said three of the vehicles are for medicals because most of their calls are for medicals,  The assets include ten vehicles:  2 engines, 2 tankers, 1 rescue rig, 2 grass rigs, 1 utility rig, and 2 boats. 

         Goal for 2011 is to purchase a new rescue pumper which, said Brian, "would have multi-purpose capabilities, like with Engine #11."  He said the new vehicle would replace a 36-year old pumper that would be retired.  "It's a safety hazard," he added.  "There are gas leaks and unsecured compartments."  Estimated cost of the new vehicle, which would be the Department's third engine:   $375,000 to $400,000.

 

Click here to continue Third Fire Engine.

Victoria Councilmembers were shown, in a step by step process, what happens when the Victoria Fire Department responds to a 911 call.  Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Heger, left, explained what was transpiring and answered questions.  Also photographed (l-r):  City Administrator Don Uram, Councilmember Jim Crowley, Councilmember Tom Strigel, Councilmember Tom O'Connor, Councilmember Kim Roden, Mayor Mary Thun.  In the background is Victoria Firefighter Brian Pulvermacher.