Riddells Creek Fire Brigade is the proud owner of three new firefighting vehicles following a number of changes to its fleet of fire trucks over the last few months.
After many years of fundraising, Riddells Creek brigade purchased a new medium tanker late last year to help protect the local area from bushfire, grassfires and a range of emergencies.
“With a price tag of almost $360,000, the fundraising effort was certainly a lengthy one and the brigade has the entire Riddells Creek community to thank for its support and financial contributions,” said Riddells Creek Fire Brigade Captain, Dave Thompson.
The new 4WD tanker is an additional vehicle to the fleet of fire trucks at Riddells Creek and will certainly increase the brigade’s ability to tackle local grassfires and bushfires.
But just as the brigade was coming to terms with having a new medium tanker, it was offered the chance to exchange its pumper tanker for a newer light pumper. By late November, the deal had been made and Riddells Creek pumper tanker was destined for Pyramid Hill Fire Brigade, north of Bendigo, in exchange for the new light pumper.
“The vehicle swap with Pyramid Hill was a great example of CFA’s utilisation of its vehicle fleet,” said Dave. “We have benefited greatly by receiving a vehicle which will better meet the future needs of Riddells Creek, especially as the township continues to grow. Similarly, Pyramid Hill now has another 4WD fire truck which will better serve its nearby rural and farming areas, so the swap has been a big win for both brigades.”
To cap off the trifecta, the brigade also recently took possession of a new FCV (4WD Ford Ranger ute) which replaces the vehicle stolen from the fire station in July last year.
People who would like more information about the new firefighting vehicles are encouraged to visit Riddells Creek Fire Brigade’s website at www.riddellcfa.com.
Author: Dean Anderson