Firefighter Smiles All Around: Oxford Welcomes New Equipment

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Diane MacKay Photography

For Fire Chief Bruce Rushton, it’s been a long five years waiting for the day a new firetruck drove into the station bay.

On a sunny Saturday morning in late October, the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department (OVFD) took delivery of a brand-spankin’ new, $1.1-million firefighting apparatus. It’s shiny, loud, and top-of-the-line. From the smiles on their faces, the volunteer firefighters were pleased with the new gear.

Chief Rushton says the new truck comes just in time, with one of the existing vehicles — No.5, a 1987 truck— that is no longer fit for the road — it failed a recent motor vehicle inspection. Although the new vehicle has only just arrived, Rushton says the crew has it loaded and ready for certain kinds of calls immediately, if it’s needed.

The new vehicle, he says, wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of Oxford’s Mayor, staff and Town Council — which recently borrowed $900-thousand to cover most of the purchase price, a contribution of $100-thousand from the Oxford Firefighters Association, and the ongoing income from the Nova Scotia Firefighters 50/50 draw on Rafflebox.

The online fundraising service also enabled the OVFD to recently order a pair of breathing apparatus (worth $23,000) and other equipment.

Chief Rushton noted some of the improvements of this new vehicle, built by MaxiMetal of Quebec, including a spacious cabin where up to six firefighters can travel together, making for easier communication while en route to a call. On the other vehicles, a push-button intercom system is used. The cabin is reinforced to ensure the safety of firefighters travelling inside, should a rollover occur.

The new No. 3 truck also has better Motor Vehicle accident capabilities, including a higher capacity and front-access foam spray and room for medical equipment required for calls that go beyond firefighting. Rushton says this “Rescue Pumper” will be the vehicle primarily assigned to respond whenever a call to highway accidents is received. The vehicle is outfitted with improved emergency lighting an brightly-coloured chevron patterns to improve visability.

Another benefit of Oxford’s Fire Department receiving a new vehicle? Potentially lower fire insurance rates for homeowners in the area, as the OVFD’s capability to fight fires is now significantly improved.

On hand for today’s delivery were former OVFD Chiefs, Allen Rushton and Dean Emerson, as well as Oxford Mayor Greg Henley and Cumberland South MLA / Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables Tory Rushton.

Chief Rushton says the department is planning an open house for the public to see the new vehicle and talk to firefighters about what they do. Applications for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter will be available.

[Photos courtesy of Diane MacKay Photography / Mark Rushton]