A 1999 Freightliner FL80 chassis with a custom body, Rescue 49 was taken out of service in June of 2015 due to safety issues with the deterioration of the body and returned to service in November 2016 with a completely new body. With the potential of a $375,000 price tag for a comparable new rescue, the decision was made to refurbish the existing truck, putting an all-new custom-built body on the existing chassis. Working with dealer Equiptec from Columbia City and manufacturer Warner Body from Elwood, the department was able to collaborate on a design that exactly meets the needs of our workload and equipment and to closely monitor the progress and modify the specs through the lifespan of the project as the department’s needs changed. As a result, the refurb was accomplished for a total project cost of approximately $120,000, providing a substantial savings to the department over the cost of a new truck.
With a lowered center of gravity, the new box is easier to handle on the township’s narrow roads and tight corners, making it safer to operate. Another safety feature is the new light tower, which is practically powerful enough to light a football field, making it perfect for providing increased safety on nighttime firegrounds. All lighting was changed to LED during the refurb, providing a longer equipment lifetime and reducing maintenance time and cost.
We’re happy to have Rescue 49 back home and in service, and we’re always happy to show it off, so feel free to stop by and take a look!
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