EAST LANSING, Mich. — Members of the media and community are invited to a dedication ceremony for the East Lansing Fire Department’s (ELFD) new 101-foot ladder truck this Thursday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. at Fire Station 1, 1700 Abbot Road.
ELFD’s new truck comes equipped with a number of features and modifications that will allow ELFD firefighter paramedics to work extended periods of time, with 360-degree capability. Features include a retractable, 101-foot ladder and platform for maximum reach and capacity as well as a bucket and aerial command seat, where fire personnel can safely operate and monitor all aerial functions using a high-tech control system. The truck will also have the capability to fight fires in high-rise buildings up to the 7th or 8th floor.
The $980,799 truck, the purchase of which has been supported by East Lansing income tax dollars in addition to fleet replacement funds, replaces a 75-foot ladder truck with a broken frame.
“We are excited about the arrival of this new truck, as it will improve our capabilities to fight fires and protect lives in the East Lansing community, while also providing added safety for our firefighter paramedics,” said East Lansing Fire Chief Randy Talifarro.
The dedication ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 17 will feature a brief program with comments from East Lansing City Councilmembers and Chief Talifarro. Following the program, there will be photo/video and interview opportunities on the ground and media will be invited to go up in the bucket for an aerial view of East Lansing. Members of the media and community are asked to park in the lot behind Fire Station 1 for the event.