By J.W. Oliver
The Newcastle Fire Company recently purchased a secondhand rescue vehicle to replace a 30-year-old vehicle.
Newcastle firefighters participated in driver training for the recently purchased 2001 International 4700 rescue vehicle April 15. From left to right, firefighters Luke Velho, Zach Gilbert, Samantha Hatch, junior firefighter Miranda Meserve and firefighter Luke Kostenbader. (J.W. Oliver photo) |
Buy this photo |
The new vehicle, a 2001 International 4700, has about 22,000 miles. The International will replace a 1984 GMC.
The nonprofit fire company will cover the $20,000 purchase price with the help of donations and a short-term loan from Damariscotta Bank and Trust Company. The fire company will pay the vehicle off in 24 to 30 months.
Newcastle Fire Chief Clayton Huntley said the purchase is a good value, especially considering the original asking price of $39,000.
Newcastle Deputy Chief Casey Stevens and 2nd Assistant Chief Randy Butterfield traveled to Aurelius, N.Y. in early March to inspect the vehicle and drive it back to Maine.
The vehicle now carries new equipment and bears the Newcastle Fire Company and historic Taniscot Engine Company insignia.
Firefighters were participating in training April 15 to familiarize themselves with the new addition.
The vehicle has been in service for about two weeks.
The new rescue is orange instead of the traditional Newcastle yellow. Huntley said the fire company could eventually paint it to match the rest of the fleet, although it is a low priority for now.
“It’ll be a good truck for us and a good truck for the town,” Huntley said.
