The 2011 Class 2 pumper has replaced its 2001 Class 2 pumper as primary vehicle, with FRNSW Inspector Frank Finlay handing over the keys last Friday.
Brigade Captain Martin Smith said the modernised truck means firefighters can do their job more quickly and efficiently, which is therefore better for them and the community.
‘‘The truck is a bit newer, so it is better to drive, a bit quicker for better response time, more reliable and has a much better storage set out compared to our older appliance,’’ he said.
‘‘When our guys go to fires and incidents, it will be easier to get equipment out of this truck, which also means there will be less accidents and OHS issues.
‘‘We have been able to train 15 of our drivers now that we have this new appliance, and it will become a part of the drill sessions we do twice a month,” he said.
Insp Finlay said FRNSW’s trucks are cascaded down to brigades, with this particular truck coming from Mortdale in Sydney.
‘‘Unfortunately we couldn’t give Deniliquin a new truck. Because Sydney is a bit busier than Deni, Mortdale did get one of the newer trucks that have just come out,’’ he said.
The old pumper which it replaced is now at the training centre in Deniliquin which is used not only for regular drill, but to train firefighters from all over the zone.
The brigade is also looking for new members who are passionate about giving back to the community, can work in a team and be on-call.
Capt Smith said the team, which is made up of a diverse group of 20 men and women, is ready to expand and offer positions to successful recruits.
‘‘You don’t need to enter with any firefighting experience because you will receive plenty of training and will always have a team of experienced firefighters providing support.
‘‘A ratio of men and women does work well together, especially if there are more females to support the other females.’’
To find out more about becoming a retained firefighter head to the recruitment and volunteering section at www.fire.nsw.gov.au.
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