By Stephen Smoot
“We are in the process of getting a ladder truck,” shared Doug Mongold, Chief of the Moorefield Volunteer Fire Department.
Acquiring this equipment will soon put the department on an elevated level of capability and operation. “There’s none in the county,” Mongold stated, adding that “this will be the first one in use for the county and surrounding areas as needed.”
The Chief explained the emerging need for a ladder truck, saying “this is for the safety of fire fighters and the public” giving one example of the need as “the addition of three-story apartment buildings” recently constructed for Pilgrims’ employees.
Also “with the expansion of Corridor H, everything is growing. Ashton Woods, we were just out there last week. It’s really growing.”
The ladder will extend to 107 feet above the surface, enabling it to reach certain taller structures in the area. That does not include wind turbines, which extend much higher into the air.
One of the modern amenities for the truck is remote control of the equipment. “You don’t have to climb up on the ladder to run it.” Remote control of the ladder, “that’s an advantage,” Mongold said.
Having the ladder, he explained, helps to protect fire fighter safety in a number of ways by adding the elevated vantage point. “The multiple uses this truck has, these capabilities are something we’ve never had.” Several fire fighters have signed up for aerial operations training, upon completion they will be certified to run the ladder.
Mongold stated several times that he was excited and that the truck had “cool” aspects, but “I’m not excited about the price tag” which was between $1.50 and $1.60 million.
“There’s only three major players in the truck world, actually,” that manufacture fire apparatus. As companies have consolidated, prices and times of delivery have both increased. He added “The US Senate had some inquiries about such things.” Price increases over the past decade have skyrocketed for emergency equipment across the board, with ambulances now over $300,000.
Hard work by the VFD and solid support from the community help to make such vital acquisitions happen. Mongold shared that “we do several different fundraisers” to fund operations and new equipment. These include a smoker dinner with $30 tickets that make holders eligible for multiple prizes, including $3,000 for last ticket picked. These also take place in March, June, and September.
Mini bashes take place in late April/early May and also November. Labor day weekend at the fairgrounds in Petersburg is when the big bash occurs. Also, a fundraising letter will also go to those who purchased tickets last year.
The needs continue to pile up with limited resources to cover. Mongold explained by way of providing an example that he would like to get each fire fighter a second set of turnout gear. He explained that modern homes and furniture have many more carcinogens embedded in the materials that go airborne when burned. Having a second set of equipment keeps the fire fighters safer from those materials, giving ample time to clean them of toxic chemicals before the next use.
Fire companies and EMS continue to navigate the hostile landscape of rising costs, declining participation, and changing threats. This makes community support more vital than ever to ensure that dedicated fire fighters can continue to respond effectively when that call comes in.
