SVFD to receive two new trucks for fleet, one from Rawlins and one from Sweetwater County
The Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) has the opportunity to purchase a ladder fire truck from Sweetwater county and receive a donated pumper truck from Carbon County.
At the Saratoga Town Council meeting on August 6, Assistant Fire Chief Tom Westring, approached the council with an opportunity to purchase a 2000 model 75 foot ladder truck from Sweetwater County for $5,000. A new truck with these specifications - 175,000 miles and 16,000 hours - could cost upwards of $600,000 according to Creed James, SVFD Treasurer. The council unanimously approved the purchase up to $6,000 in case the truck needed repairs before delivery. This new vehicle will replace a 1981 model pumper truck which resides in the existing fire truck force of four.
Additionally, Rawlins Fire Department Battalion Chief Allen Robinson said a 1998 American LaFrance pumper truck has been donated to the Town of Saratoga based on Saratoga responding to an RFP (request for proposal). Saratoga was the only respondent, but this extra pumper truck will enhance the capability of the volunteer fire department in adding to the fleet.
According to the Town of Saratoga website, the fire department houses "approximately 32 dedicated individuals" who volunteer their time to respond to fire needs in Saratoga and beyond. The current ISO (insurance services office) rating is 5. This newer truck should improve the ISO rating which is helpful in enhancing the department's rating for fire preparedness and response. According to Mayor Chuck Davis in the council meeting, both the SVFD Fire Chief Pat Waliser and James were really excited with the additions of the trucks and the hope that the ISO rating would come down or improve.
As reported in a previous Saratoga Sun article "Saratoga ISO ratings drops" Oct 15, 2014, an improved ISO rating may allow residents to monetarily benefit if individual insurance rates drop. The ISO rating can also be used to identify areas of improvement in comparison to other towns and possibly increase safety standards.
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