Skip to main content

Chester County Press

Kennett Fire Company receives new vehicle

06/25/2013 07:59PM ● By Acl

Kennett Fire Company deputy chief Bruce Mitchell, left, and Chief Steve Melton, right, stand beside the company's new fire rescue vehicle. Pictured with Mitchell and Melton are Kennett Township Board of Supervisors Robert Hammaker, Scudder Stevens and Michael Elling.

By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer

 

With the assistance of two local municipalities it serves, the Kennett Fire Company has purchased a 2013 T800 Kenworth fire vehicle, to add to its impressive fleet of two fire engines, a ladder truck and two brush trucks.

The vehicle's tank holds up to 3,000 gallons of water, has the capability to pump as much as 2,000 gallons of water per minute, and features a 500-horsepower motor. The new vehicle replaces a 1985 Kenworth model, which had a smaller tank and smaller pump. The new engine cost $363,000, and was funded by the fire company, and by contributions from Kennett Borough and Kennett Township. 

"In certain parts of our service area, we don't have close access to fire hydants," said Kennett Fire Comapny chief Steve Melton. "We need water supply quickly, and in some cases, such as when we're working on a larger home, we need a lot more water. This vehicle gives us that quick water supply. It's not a cure-all, but it's a big help to have these around."

Chief Melton expressed his gratitude to the two municipalities the company serves. "We appreciate everything they do for us," he said. "Throughout the year, when certain needs pop up, they help us out."