New pumper increases Amherst Fire Department’s capacity to fight fires

The Amherst Fire Department recently received a 2018 pumper from Metal Fab in New Brunswick. The pumper, valued at more than $500,000, is now in service and replaces a 10-year old pumper that will now be used as a reserve.
“This is a huge addition to our department,” Chief Greg Jones said. “On average, a fire truck will last 25 to 30 years. This truck will serve our needs for many years.”
Jones said the new truck has a variety of features that will help firefighters better fight fires in the area including a telescoping monitor gun for the long range throwing of water at a fire.
“There are three or four different things that will really help us,” Jones said.
The pumper has more room for crew and the compartments are lit by LED lights, which places less strain on the truck.
Jones said the department began reviewing its needs about four years ago and a new pumper was quickly identified. It’s the first full fire truck the department has purchased in 10 years.
By making the purchase, Jones said, the town is sending a message to its firefighters and to the community that it’s prepared to invest in the equipment that allows the department to fight fires to the best of its abilities.
Funding for the truck came from the town’s 2016-17 capital budget.
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