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New Fire Truck Arrives in Ironwood Township
IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP - It wasn’t Saint Nick in Red Sleigh that was spotted on Lake Road last night. It was a bright red, brand new fire truck on its way to the Ironwood Township Fire Station.
 
Monday, Ironwood Township Fire Chief Jamie Peite accompanied by two other firefighters, Josh Ludtke and John Baracovi drove to Appleton to receive delivery of the latest addition to the Township’s fire fighting arsenal.


The three firefighters spent one and a half days training with the equipment before returning to Ironwood.

More than a year ago, Chief Peite approached the Township Board of Trustees about obtaining a new Pumper Truck. The Township had only one pumper and was in need of a backup. The Trustees gave Peite the o.k. to get cost estimates for a new or used truck. Ultimately, the board chose to purchase a new truck and the matter went to the voters for approval of a millage to pay for this truck. The ballot issue was overwhelmingly approved by the voters.
The vehicle of choice was a 2010 Pierce Rescue Pumper. The vehicle was purchased through Pomasl Fire Equipment out of Antigo, WI for $290,595. The only other bid received was from Precision Fire Apparatus out of Camdenton, MO whose bid was $342,415.
The vehicle was built by Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisconsin. The body was built on a Freightliner Chassis. The cab was manufactured at Pierce’s plant in Bradenton, Florida. There was a $200,000 savings by choosing the Florida built cab over the one that would have been built in Appleton.
The new truck is loaded with firefighting and rescue features and apparatus. The front bumper of the truck carries 150 feet of hose to operate the on-board “Jaws-of-Life” on the far side of the bumper is a similar compartment that will carry a second air hose that would operate a second life saving rescue device. Should the need arise the two compartments could be separated from the truck and brought to where needed.

There is a third compartment in the massive bumper system for miscellaneous storage. In fact, this truck has all the storage the average housewife just dreams about.
One really great feature on this truck in addition to the millions of LED lights, is the on-board storage of four very large air tanks. If needed each of these tanks could and would refill ten scuba tanks worn by firefighters. A total of 40 scubas could be refilled if needed.
The truck came with 1000 feet of hose plus additional high pressure hoses.
Chief Peite said “the Township Volunteer Firefighters would like to thank the residents for their support in acquiring this new equipment that will provide the department with the equipment needed to protect their lives and property.” “We would also like to thank the Trustees; Kim Mattson, Supervisor; Gayla Salmi , Township Clerk; and Jyl Olson, Township Treasuer for all their help in making the acquisition possible.”