KCFD - 2008 Pierce Quantum delivered

2008 Pierce Quantum - 550 horsepower engine


Ready to Serve
Story at: Tehachapi news

“It shows the commitment of Kern County Fire by supplying Tehachapi with the most efficient and effective equipment available to serve the community.”

These words were spoken by Kern County Supervisor Don Maben as he, along with Tehachapi interim City Manager Greg Garrett and assorted guests attended a christening ceremony for Tehachapi's newest “state of the art” fire engine as it was being delivered to Fire Station-12 in Tehachapi.

Personally delivered by Kern County Fire Chief Dennis Thompson and Deputy Chief Mike Cody, this 2008 Pierce Quantum 550 horsepower engine replaces the older, high mileage engine. The older engine will most likely be stationed in Lake Isabella where it will supplement the county's fire needs in that area.

With some of the most advanced mechanical features, as well as the newest and lightest rescue equipment on board, Station-12’s Captain Tom Franchere explained, “This new engine is far more user friendly. Its lighter weight rescue equipment will help firefighters be more efficient, less prone to injury and, in general, live longer.” Franchere continued, “Our newer and more sensitive infrared cameras will help locate heat inside walls and attic spaces and lessen the need of ripping open the walls or punching a hole in a ceiling to look for hidden fire spread.”

Deputy Chief Cody thanked Supervisor Maben for his efforts in making it possible for the department’s newest engine to be stationed in Tehachapi.

“It was a year-long process from budget approval to delivery. Three separate inspections were performed during the building process. Each engine is then driven out from the factory in Appleton, Wisc.,” said Cody.

After arriving in Kern County, the engine was outfitted with all new hand-selected equipment to best serve the needs of the area it's assigned to.

Chief Cody continued, “Each engine cost $400,000 out the factory door and normally an additional $100,000 is needed to outfit each engine with firefighting tools and rescue equipment.”

In addition to this new engine, about eight months ago Station-12 received a brand new patrol truck with all new equipment at a cost of $100,000. Thus, Kern County has recently invested upwards of $600,000 in equipment to serve the community of Tehachapi.

Supervisor Maben christened the new engine by breaking the champagne bottle over the bumper of the new truck, followed by a compartment-by-compartment tour of the truck for those in attendance.

The tour, led by Battalion Fire Chief Steve Kinsey, was cut short, as within less than 45 minutes after its arrival to Station-12, the new engine rolled out on its first call to serve the citizens of the Tehachapi area.