New light tanker for Strathfieldsaye CFA

Strathfieldsaye Tanker 2

 

Strathfieldsaye Fire Brigade were delighted to have a new light tanker officially handed over by CFA Board Member, Beth Davidson OAM at an event on the weekend.

 

The $217,000 light tanker was purchased through the Victorian Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) as an upgrade for the previous slip-on unit. The brigade contributed $34,000 towards the cost.

Strathfieldsaye Fire Brigade Captain Matt McCarthy said when the brigade was planning for the 2018-19 VESEP grant, it was a priority to replace the existing slip-on unit with an appliance with greater firefighting capacity, to enhance operational capability.

Matt said the new tanker can carry additional crew and is better suited to the brigade’s urban rural interface.

“It’s important to have a second tanker available to carry more crew, more equipment and essentially, more water.” Matt said.

“Having a smaller light tanker to enable access in housing estates and into the bush was a priority in a response area like ours.

Matt said the brigade is grateful for ongoing community generosity, which supported the brigade in securing the new light tanker.

“Our ongoing fundraising is a fortnightly community raffle, run through the summer months at the local hotel,” Matt said.

“There was also a considerable donation through the estate of a local Strathfieldsaye resident, Peter Ryall, who left considerable funds for community benefit.

“Peter’s family allocated $20,000 to the brigade at the time we were raising money for the new truck.

“I’d like to acknowledge the family of Peter Ryall. Their generosity gave the brigade a significant boost.”

The brigade welcomed the official handover event after several delays due to COVID-19.

 

Submitted by	CFA Media