QUILCENE — The Quilcene Fire Department rolled out its new water tender at a community barbecue.
The 1,800-gallon Rosenbauer water tender, delivered June 28, was presented to the public during the barbecue June 30, Chief Larry Karp announced last week.
It was purchased in part by a Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighter Grant awarded to the department in July 2017.
FEMA’s grant covered approximately 95 percent of the vehicle’s $260,000 cost, with the remaining $13,000 paid by the department, according to a news release.
Karp signed a contract to build the new vehicle with General Fire Equipment for the purchase of the tender in September 2017, according to the release.
“We had been talking about needing a new tender for years but just could not afford it on our own,” Karp said in the release.
With the assistance of the FEMA grant, Karp said it was a “no-brainer” to upgrade the tender.
Department staff will be trained on how to operate and drive the tender.
Equipment and tools are also planned to be added to the tender.
It is anticipated to be in service shortly, according to the release.
The tender replaces the department’s modified International that has logged more than 400,000 miles during its 26-year service.
The retiring truck began as a Ryder moving truck in 1985.
In 1992, it was acquired by the department and its moving box was replaced by a water tank and pump.
The new vehicle adheres to all applicable safety standards and is equipped with standard equipment found on a modern fire service tender, according to the release.
