BEATRICE – Some southeast Nebraska firefighters were getting some practice on new equipment Monday that is upgrading an aerial ladder truck.  Beatrice Firefighters were testing out new fire nozzles received a couple of weeks ago through an Assistance to Firefighters grant.


"With the smooth bore that we have on there now, because of the grant we're able to have further reach and penetration than we did with the old one."


Firefighters used the Big Blue Aquatic Park property for the practice and testing. Fire Chief Brian Daake says the new nozzles will help extend the water stream range on the aerial ladder. "The other neat thing about today's technologies with the nozzles, is we're flowing more gallons per minute at a lower pump pressure, so the truck doesn't have to work as hard, to flow the water."


Although the aerial truck is not used nearly as often as a regular fire pumper truck, it pays to have the vehicle, for its range in applying water on larger structures or tight quarters.

Firefighters atop aerial ladder
Firefighters atop aerial ladder  

 
"It also helps with our insurance ratings that we all have to pay on, within the community. It gives us the ability to have some reach for setbacks, so there's a lot of factors involved with that."


Beatrice Fire and Rescue is awaiting delivery of a new nearly one-million dollar pumper truck….part of a long-line of departments awaiting such vehicles with a limited number of companies supplying them.
"We ordered it in October of '23....and the latest I've heard it's going to be February of '27....so we have fallen into the gap like everybody else has, with the fire apparatus."


Originally, Beatrice Fire had hoped to put the new truck in service, this coming January.