Fire Department receives new $2.2M platform truck

RUSSELLVILLE Firefighters and city officials showed off the Fire Department’s new $2.2 million 100-foot platform fire truck in a safety demonstration at Village Square Apartments.

Deputy Chief Randy Seal, Mayor David Grissom, Councilmember Dexter Hamilton, Councilmember Jamie Harris and RFD Capt. Aubrey Harris.

The new truck is set up to facilitate rescue operations, especially in multistory buildings. Unlike the city’s older ladder truck purchased in 2004 for about $389,000, which used a standard basket, the new apparatus features a large platform that holds several people at once, allowing residents, including those with mobility issues, to step directly in for faster evacuation.

Fire Chief Joe Mansell said the platform truck is part of a $3.7 million plan for three new vehicles, including two Custom Monarch pumpers.

RFD Chief Joe Mansell talks about the new fire truck at last week’s city council meeting.

The council approved funding for the trucks on Jan. 16 after they had been on order for nearly three years. All three trucks were purchased from Finley Fire Equipment Company, a supplier of specialized fire apparatuses.

At the Village Square demonstration, Fire Marshal Justin Green spoke with residents about evacuation procedures. He stressed the importance of leaving immediately when alarms sound and checking on neighbors who may need assistance.

He also discussed proper use of small ABC or K-rated fire extinguishers for kitchens, as well as fire safety blankets to put on a small fire.

“If there’s a fire, focus on getting out,” Green told the group. “We’re more concerned about y’all than we are about any property. You can just step right in on the platform of the new truck, and we’ll bring you down safely.”

Mansell and Green also reminded residents that the fire department is trained and equipped for Advanced Life Support (ALS), meaning firefighters can deliver paramediclevel emergency care on scene, including critical lifesaving procedures before an ambulance arrives.

Mayor David Grissom said the new equipment reflects the city’s priority of maintaining reliable emergency services.

“One of the main things we do is try to provide the best possible equipment we can for the fire and police departments,” Grissom said. “It’s really handy, especially if you’re on one of the higher floors.”

Mayor David Grissom, RFD Deputy Chief Randy Seal and Village Square manager Annette Wells get a close view of the new platform.

Council members Jamie Harris and David Palmer also joined the demonstration. Harris described the platform as safe and stable, designed to improve rescues for those who can’t easily navigate ladders.

“We hope we never have to use it in an actual fire that would be the biggest blessing,” Harris said. “But if we do, we want to make sure we can do it safely.”

Firefighters also conducted a second demonstration and safety talk at apartments on Engle Drive later that day.