| The West Grove Fire Department has placed into service a new 2026 Seagrave pumper which will eventually be housed at the New London Station.
First ordered by the WGFC in October 2022, the new apparatus represents countless hours of dedication, planning and teamwork from members across the organization. From the initial pre-construction meetings and design discussions, to reviewing and finalizing drawings, ordering and mounting equipment, loading hose and completing the final details, many hands played a role in preparing this engine for service.
"A special thank you to all those volunteer and career staff who dedicated their time, expertise and effort throughout this process, ensuring that our firefighters will have a safe, reliable and capable apparatus to serve our community for the next 20+ years," said Fire Chief Kevin Sweeney.
The new Seagrave is modeled nearly completely to the existing 2021 Engine 22-1. With a few enhancements, the apparatus will allow for easy cross training and compatibility among operators and firefighters. The new Engine 22-2 is also a Seagrave Marauder pumper with a 1500 gallon per minute pump and carries 1000 gallons of water.
The new engine was planned as part of the multi-year apparatus replacement schedule which the fire company uses to structure fleet replacements over the next twenty+ years, allowing for both operational and budgetary planning in fleet management. This apparatus replacement plan is helpful for both the fire company and the municipalities we serve. The next apparatus in the schedule will replace Squad 22, and is expected in 2028 if the schedule holds with the manufacturer E-One.
The new engine cost approximately $1 million fully equipped. The previous 2021 Seagrave cost approximately $750,000. The new engine will run out of the West Grove station for a time before being shifted out to New London. |
