Dodgingtown Firefighters Combine

Two Functions In One Fire Truck

By Andrew Gorosko

Dodgingtown firefighters say that their ongoing use of a fire truck that combines the functions of two previous fire trucks, consolidates and improves their capabilities in the form of one vehicle.

Dodgingtown firefighters this week displayed Engine 223, a 1987 Ford-built F-800 diesel-powered Emergency One vehicle, which functions as a midsize pumper truck, as well as a rescue truck.

The bright red vehicle has numerous equipment bays along its sides where firefighters store the full range of equipment required for rescue work.

Dodgingtown firefighters acquired the vehicle about one year ago from firefighters in Hanover, Mass., at a price of $15,000. A comparable new vehicle would cost approximately $200,000.

The rescue/pumper truck carries 500 gallons of water onboard. It has a pump rated at moving 750 gallons of water per minute. Dodgingtown firefighters outfitted the truck with equipment which formerly had been carried on the two trucks that it replaced.

Those vehicles were a 1984 Chevrolet minipumper, which had limited capabilities, and a 1989 Ford ambulance-style truck, which had been used as a light rescue vehicle.

Also, Dodgingtown firefighters equipped the rescue/pumper with some used hydraulic rescue tools donated by the Hawleyville and Sandy Hook fire companies.

Dodgingtown firefighters used the money raised from the sale of the two former fire trucks to acquire Engine 223.

Dodgingtown Assistant Fire Chief Steve Murphy explained that the asking price for Engine 223 was $50,000, but firefighters were able to negotiate the price down to $15,000. “We got a good price,” he said. The vehicle has traveled on several dozen local fire calls, so far, he said.

Asst Chief Murphy noted that the vehicle had been overhauled by a previous owner in 2001, receiving a new engine, new wiring, and new paint.

The chassis has about 90,000 miles on its odometer, but only has registered about 12,500 miles of travel since its 2001 overhaul, he noted.

Firefighters plan to install a lighting tower on the truck.

Besides Engine 223, Dodgingtown firefighters have purchased Car 220, a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban sport-utility vehicle that is used as a fire command vehicle. The vehicle carries a small amount of firefighting and medical equipment. Firefighters acquired the SUV for $1,500 from a West Virginia public safety agency. Firefighters say they will seek funds to replace the SUV in two years.

Besides those fire vehicles, Dodgingtown firefighters operate two town-owned fire trucks. They are a pumper, known as #221, and a tanker, known as #229. Those vehicles have distinctive white paint schemes, with blue detailing.

The Dodgingtown Volunteer Fire Company travels to about 190 fire calls annually. The group has about 25 members, said Lieutenant Kirk Blanchard.

Based in Dodgingtown, its fire district extends to Bethel on the west, to Monroe on the south, to Scudder Road on Route 302, and to Plumtrees Road on Taunton Hill Road.

Lt Blanchard urged people interested in joining the fire company to visit the firehouse at 55 Dodgingtown Road (Route 302) on any Monday night starting at 7 pm when members have a weekly meeting. Donations to help the fire company support its operations are always welcome, he said.

In June, three Dodgingtown firefighters achieved the rank of Firefighter I after a training program. They are: J.P Hughes, A.J. Matturro, and Brian Shimko.

Also, in June, four firefighters received certification as medical response technicians (MRT). They are: Rob Michael, Ashley Christiano, Kevin Miller, and Kirk Blanchard.

Rounding out the list of officers at the fire company are: Chief Mark White, Captain Joe Masso, and Second Lieutenant Jason Shuttleworth.