Oskaloosa Fire Department Welcomes New Apparatus
February 7th, 2023
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Limited availability and cost increases caused the Oskaloosa City Council to approve purchasing a new fire truck or apparatus late in 2022.
In February, that new apparatus, a 2021 model, arrived at the Oskaloosa Fire Department, where members held the pushing-in ceremony, which is customary when a new truck arrives.
Oskaloosa City Council member Janet Hermsen was on hand. She had been part of the selection process when the new truck became available.
The decision to move forward with the purchase was also made easier when the department had an opportunity to purchase a demonstrator truck, providing savings and moving up the timeframe from a 2026 delivery.
As the truck finished its journey and was pushed into the station, Oskaloosa Fire Chief Scott Vaughan said, “We’re more than happy to have it. It’s been a long time coming and will replace a 1986 Smeal pumper we’ve had in service for the last 36 years.”
The new apparatus will hold more water and tools, helping the time to respond to emergencies even better. “We’re not running around when those calls get in; we can just get in the truck and go,” added Vaughan.
