The Noroton Volunteer Fire Department has put into service a new fire engine, a “pumper” that replaces one bought in 1972, and it invites the public to see it at an open house from noon to 2 p.m. this coming Sunday, Oct. 18.
Noroton Volunteer Fire Department’s new pumper, Engine 31.
The new vehicle was custom built in Wisconsin after a committee of Darien volunteers came up with specifications and research the purchase by visiting other departments in Fairfield and Westchester counties to see their new fire trucks.
“The truck carries 650 gallons of water; 2,000 feet of supply hose from fire hydrant to fire locations and can pump up to 1,500 gallons of water per minute,” according to a news release issued Monday morning by the department.
Here’s the full news release:
The Noroton Volunteer Fire Department has placed in service a new Pumper, Engine 31. The new truck is a state of the art fire apparatus and is the newest in service pumper since Noroton purchased Engine 32, a combination rescue pumper in 2002.
Engine 31 was purchased and custom built by Marion Body Works in Marion, Wisc. Over the course of three plus years, a group of seven volunteers worked tirelessly to draft specifications, visit new fire truck deliveries across Fairfield and Westchester counties, review drawings and bid specifications before awarding the work to Marion.
Thereafter, the committee visited the Marion plant on three occasions to monitor progress and to ensure Engine 31 was built to specification. Brendan Keane, an Assistant Chief noted “We spent countless hours to build the best pumper to serve the Noroton community and the Town of Darien.”
Some of the unique features of Engine 31 include its six man cab fully equipped with safety features such as safety harness belts and airbags. The truck carries 650 gallons of water; 2,000 feet of supply hose from fire hydrant to fire locations and can pump up to 1,500 gallons of water per minute.
Ground ladders that can reach a home’s windows or roof are mounted alongside the outside of the truck for easy access and 10 air cylinders (or air packs) enable fireman to breathe during search and rescue operations.
Since Engine 31’s arrival, all Noroton firemen have trained to use the truck under any emergency circumstance, whether a house fire, car accident or gas emergency such as carbon monoxide leaks. Noroton’s Chief Jim O’Brien noted “The entire membership is excited to now operate a pumper that will be operational for years to come.”
The new truck will replace current Engine 31, a yellow pumper that has been in service since 1972 when the members of Noroton purchased the truck. O’Brien continued, “We intend to keep the older truck in service for emergencies should they arise such as when another newer engine is out for preventative maintenance”.
The responsibility of maintaining the new truck falls under the entire membership and will be led by Captain of Engines, Bob Buch, Jr. and Lieutenant, Keith Bennett. Captain Buch is a third generation fireman in Darien while Lieutenant Bennett is a fourth generation Noroton fireman.
Both men hold strong Noroton’s proud tradition to serve the Town of Darien. Noted Captain Buch, “The arrival of Engine 31 marks another significant milestone in Noroton. Our community expects the highest level of fire support for their families and property. Engine 31 was custom built to serve our neighbors.”
The Noroton Fire Department will host an open house for the public this Sunday, Oct. 18 from noon till 2 p.m. to christen Engine 31 and to show the new fire truck to our community. For more details, go to the department’s website or call 203-655-0653.