Chelsea Fire and Rescue purchases new engine

Chelsea Fire and Rescue will soon be responding to calls in a brand-new fire engine. At its July 15 meeting, the Chelsea City Council approved a bid for the purchase of a 2014 Pierce Saber to replace the department’s 15-year-old engine. The new vehicle costs $453,859 and was delivered in late September.

“It’s going to be able to give us all that we need to respond effectively,” said Chelsea firefighter and media specialist Paul Williams.

The new engine was built “from the ground up” to Chelsea’s specifications. Williams said the engine can hold 750 gallons of water and can pump 1,250 gallons per minute. Chelsea’s current vehicle will become the reserve engine, replacing the 30-year-old engine the department has on reserve now. Williams said the current reserve engine only has a top speed of 40 miles per hour.

“You can only get so much life out of a fire truck after you run them for several years,” Williams said.

Williams said the new fire truck will allow Chelsea Fire and Rescue to respond to calls more efficiently, potentially saving lives and property.

“Whatever we can do to provide the most efficient fire and rescue service is what we’re looking to do for the residents of Chelsea,” Williams said.