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South Wales Dedicates Newest Fire TruckFree Access


The South Wales Fire District #1 held a dedication ceremony last week for its new pumper truck. Area fire companies visited to support the department in the gathering. 

Members of the South Wales Fire Department stand at the dedication of the department’s newest tanker truck. Photo by Marty Wangelin

On Sept. 18, the fire district dedicated the 2020 Freightliner KME Tanker Pumper. The date marks exactly 36 years from when the district brought in its 1983 Ford Tanker, which is being replaced by the newest vehicle. 

A bagpiper started the ceremony and led the truck onto the pad to be christened by neighboring companies. East Aurora, Holland, West Falls, Wales Center, Chaffee/ Sardinia and Colden sprayed the tanker with water, a longstanding tradition for new trucks.

The district said the cost of the new truck was $428,000 and took 18 months to build. It holds 3,000 gallons of water. 

Commissioner Joe Argenio presented the truck keys to Chief Marty O’Connor to place the new #5 truck in service at 18:25 hours on Sept. 18.

The truck committee consists of Commissioner Jeff Heitman, Past Chief Mike MCClure, Chief Marty O’Connor, Assistant Chiefs Jason Breeser and Mike Heitman and Captain Ed Belter.

East Aurora, Wales Center, Colden and Chaffee/Sardinia Fire companies join the South Wales Fire Department in christening the new tanker. Photo by Marty Wangelin

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