By Esther Lauaki
Truganina CFA has upgraded its operational fleet with three new trucks in time for the summer fire season.
The brigade’s latest additions include a new medium pumper, heavy tanker and forward command vehicle.
Treasurer Rosemary Utteridge said members were grateful the brigade now has its own pumper to help volunteers respond to an ever-increasing number of call-outs.
“This is the first time the brigade has had their own pumper to respond to emergencies,” Ms Utteridge said.
“Previously the brigade has only operated tankers and pumper tankers.
“It was important for the brigade to upgrade to a pumper due to the growing numbers of houses being built in Truganina, Tarneit and surrounding suburbs.”
She said the Scania medium pumper, designed for urban firefighting and traffic accidents, can carry up to five firefighters and their equipment.
The heavy tanker, primarily designed for semi-urban and rural environments, will replace the brigade’s old 1986 tanker that has been donated to the Fire Services Museum.
The $70,000 field command vehicle was funded through the state government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program in partnership with community fundraising efforts.
Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly said Truganina’s volunteer brigade has been supporting Melbourne’s west since 1940 and has 76 members.
“Truganina Fire Brigade has been protecting the local community and surrounding districts for almost 80 years and deserves the highest calibre of firefighting equipment,” Ms Connolly said at Monday’s official launch of the fleet.
“We are proud to support the Truganina community and surrounding suburbs through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, which provides much-needed operational equipment.”
