New chassis is in the house!

This afternoon, The Graafschap Fire Department received the chassis for the new Tanker 740. The process began in 2023 and will be updated in this forum as milestones in the build are experienced. Recently, the chassis was sent back to Freightliner from Spencer Manufacturing for some punch-out items on the chassis. After those items were completed, a rep from Freightliner brought it to the fire station.

For the first time in decades, the chassis was paid for from current funds instead of financing. The remainder of the build will be financed once the truck is delivered in 2025. Instead of having the chassis sit outside at Spencer, our staff made room for it to sit inside the bay at the station. 740 is now in the production schedule and will be taken to Spencer in South Haven when they are ready for it in the spring.

After a wash-down and towel-dry, 740 is set for a nice, low-key winter. A few of the retirees have even filtered in to take a look.

Retired members Cal Haverdink and Wayne VanOmmen stopped by to see what the future holds for water movement in the department.

“I remember when the previous (30 year old) tanker was being constructed at Spencer”, said Wayne VanOmmen. It has served the community well. Even after 30 years, Spencer has proven to be a solid partner in protecting our community.