By Michael Rheinheimer
Fishers Fire Dept. Station 395 of has a new engine. The 2019 Pierce Saber will replace a 2005 model. FFD Capt. John Mehling said the old engine will be placed in reserve status.
Mehling said much of the fire fleet in Fishers is made up of Pierce engines. Having a uniform fleet can provide life-saving seconds in an emergency, he said.
“We’ve chosen Pierce for the quality of the truck,” Mehling said. “We’re able to get our equipment (quickly). All the equipment is in the same place. As personnel float from station to station, the crews know exactly where the equipment’s at. Everything we do is based around seconds. The more seconds we can save becomes more minutes. You’ve got to save those seconds every opportunity you can.”
Engine 395 was ushered into service with a ceremonial first wash and a “push” into the station. Mehling said the ceremony dates back to the beginning of organized fire service and has a deep meaning for the fire crew.
“It’s just a little piece of tradition that connects us to our past, that got us to where we are today. These pieces of equipment are not just tools,” Mehling said. “They’re a part of us that protects us every day by transporting us to and from the scene. We look at this stuff in a very personal way. This is the stuff that keeps us alive. We have one rule, and that’s, ‘Everybody goes home.’ These trucks are an integral part of making that happen.”
The new engine can carry 750 gallons of water and can pump 1,500 gallons per minute when attached to a water source.
In addition to being placed in reserve status, the old engine will be used on public education details.
