Franklin unveils new fire truck

The Advertiser-News | Feb. 19, 2019

FRANKLIN — Cold weather and icy conditions could not stop the arrival of Franklin Borough’s new fire truck on Monday.

Members of the fire department, several borough council members and public waited inside and peered out the windows looking for the truck to arrive.

At 3 p.m., Assistant Chief Khyle Conklin opened the bay door and drove out the retired truck, creating the new parking space for the new truck. At that point, the crowd began to make their way outside as the excitement and anticipation began to build. Approximately 15 minutes later, the truck could be seen on Rt 23. The driver made a left turn onto Buckwheat Road and turned on the Alarm Siren. Everyone grabbed their cell phone to take video and pictures.

Chief Fred Babcock Jr. said, “The Franklin Borough Firehouse was built brick by brick,” Fire Chief Fred Babcock, Jr. said. “It really is a phenomenal history and to have this new truck is amazing,”

A company called Sutphen built and delivered the truck from Lake Ariel, Pa. Although the trucks take approximately a year to build, they typically last 20-25 years. Fire Department members said trucks normally last about 20 years and to stay compliant with regulations and be ready to protect Franklin now and in the future, it was time for a new truck.

Babcock said all the space and compartments and overall set up for this truck “…will help with rescue calls, will help with ease of use of the jaws of life and overall the many compartments will help make us more efficient and ready now and for the next 25 years.”

“Tradition”, “Sacrifice” and “Dedication” are painted on the side of the truck. The phrase “Built to do Work” is on the back and on the front, “Taking Care of Business.” A special memorial made in the likeness of Richie Clark can be seen on the back of the truck. Clark is a deceased member that always made sure the trucks were clean, especially during parade season.

This year’s wet down ceremony will be scheduled in warmer weather sometime in May or June. The Franklin Borough Fire Department will also host the Anniversary Parade in October.

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