New truck enhances fire service in Waubeka

The Waubeka Fire Department has taken possession of its new truck, replacing a former truck that went out of commission more than a year ago. 

The new 2020 Pierce Enforcer, which was built in Appleton, can hold 2,750 gallons of water and has an on-board 40-gallon foam tank, Fire Chief Jason Caswell said.

Firefighters were able to follow the truck’s construction online, he said.

The truck also comes equipped with a light tower and camera system to see around the vehicle, he added.

Caswell said the truck will be put into service in just a few days once all training is complete and all tools, equipment and hoses are installed.

The new truck replaces a Pierce Lance, which the department purchased in 1989.         That vehicle broke down in the summer of 1989. The department replaced it temporarily by buying a used 1991 Pierce Arrow from the Deerfield, Wis., Fire Department.

“Our truck committee had been meeting for a few months already, looking at replacement options when this unit went down,” Caswell said.

“At no time during these transitions were we without fire protection equipment, mainly thanks to the Port Washington Fire Department who loaned us a reserve engine when our Pierce Lance went down.”

The Town of Fredonia borrowed $658,312 to buy the truck, at an interest rate of 4.75%, from the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands State Trust Fund.

The town is making an annual payment of about $79,000 on the loan over 10 years.