New pumper/tanker 740 comes home!

After a two year process, “740” is home. Earlier today, with a license plate and insurance card in hand, Chief DenBleyker and Deputy Chief Capel went to Spencer Manufacturing in South Haven for a final acceptance inspection and to deliver the necessary documents to close on this new apparatus.

This process began in early 2023 when the fire department staff started putting some ideas down on paper. There was a need to start replacing some of the oldest pieces of the fleet and consideration was given to how a truck can be built for today’s use and taking into account the future needs of the community. A 2-person cab, pumper/tanker concept was chosen as the basis for the new truck. Logic behind this type of apparatus is for quick response with plenty of water (3,000 gallons). Spencer Manufacturing was chosen for this build based on several factors. They produced a bid that was lower than most others with a projected build time of 2 years. Other out of state manufacturers have 3-5 year build times due to backlogs and supply chain issues.

Later in the fall of 2023, the Graafschap Fire Board, and both boards of trustees from Fillmore and Laketown townships approved the purchase and the order was placed. The chassis was paid for right away with monies from the GFD fund balance and delivered to the fire station from Freightliner in the fall of 2024. We were fortunate to store it indoors until Spencer was ready for it.

Spencer called for the chassis in early 2025, and began the months long process of fabrication and assembling all the components that were specified by GFD. Due to careful planning, only a few change orders were necessary during the build process. Spencer is local to West Michigan, so that allowed the chiefs and trustees of the two townships ample opportunity to view the truck in several different stages of the build.

740 was also purchased in timely manner due to rapidly increasing costs. The fire truck industry is experiencing skyrocketing prices due to demand and new emission regulations that are adding tens of thousands of dollars to every truck. After explaining these rising costs to the boards, and the need for another new apparatus soon, the decision was made to order another truck and have it in the pipeline. That new chassis is being built and should be in full production at Spencer late next year. More info on that new apparatus can be found here.

740 isn’t quite done yet. Much of the equipment and hose that will go on this truck will be off the retiring apparatus. Some items were in storage and kept from other retiring apparatus in past years. Those tools and equipment will be mounted by GFD staff over the coming days and weeks. Training on 740 will begin as soon as possible. The next two regular Monday training nights will be devoted to driving, pumping, and care of the new truck. All driver/operators must pass the training driving and pumping test before being allowed to drive on an emergency response. A good overview of what it takes to be an apparatus driver/operator can be found here.

Sometimes you have to move backwards to move forwards. The graphics on the door were to honor those that came before us. Pictured below is the original font on the door of a late 1970’s Ford Tanker. The second picture is the door of the new truck with 3 of the members that worked off the old truck.

As the public, you are invited in to see YOUR new truck (and all the others) any time. The station is staffed Monday – Friday, 6 am to 4 pm. The members of The Graafschap Fire Department would like to thank our citizens and the elected officials for allowing us the tools to do our jobs. We take pride in our equipment and the service we provide. Again, THANK YOU!