New Engine is Cost Effective and More Efficient

New Engine 17

Gulfport Firefighters are putting the finishing touches on their new E-One Typhoon eMax 2012 apparatus. The truck isn't ready to go just yet because officials purchased the truck without a few extra items, upgrades and equipment in order to save money.

Cost Effective

Fire Chief James Marenkovic says the final price tag was $391,427 compared to about $600,000 to $800,000 if the truck came fully loaded. The truck was paid for by the Penny for Pinellas sales tax program.

Marenkovic says they made several cost saving decisions like requiring less paint, re-using hoses, tools, nozzles and other equipment and installing many of the tools themselves. Marenkovic says it all adds up. He adds that they'll be able to put money into the city's general fund budget after they sell the department's 1994 pumper truck. 

Previously the 1994 pumper truck served as a back up and the 2004 apparatus served as the main engine. Now, the 2012 truck will be Engine 17 with the old Engine 17 will switch to a back up. And the old back up, the 1994 pumper, will be sold.

The Gulfport CERT organization will also benefit from the arrival of the new engine. That's because CERT will receive any equipment or parts that can be taken out of the truck before it's sold at auction.

More Efficient

Lt. Erick Fuchs says the new truck has improved features that will make their job easier. Three main changes include a pre-connected front load hose, more compartment spaces and a shorter wheelbase.

How will these three changes help?

Fuchs says the hose is now waist high rather than on top of the truck behind the passenger doors, making it easier to access. The added compartments will be very helpful because Engine 17 is an Advanced Life Support Vehicle and will need to have all the necessary equipment to serve that purpose. The shorter wheelbase will allow firefighters to get closer to alleyways and buildings or homes in smaller streets. Firefighters will be able to maneuver a little easier, Fuchs says.