Ocala Fire Rescue recently welcomed a new state-of-the-art fire truck to its fleet.
According to OFR, the newest addition, Ladder 3, is an “innovative vehicle [that] seamlessly combines the equipment capabilities of a ladder truck with the water-pumping ability of a fire engine.”
Locally manufactured by E-One, Ladder 3 comes equipped with multiple tools that are crucial for firefighters: a pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial device, and ground ladders.
In a media release, OFR referred to Ladder 3 as a “comprehensive firefighting solution,” stating that the vehicle will help increase the capabilities of firefighters across a wide variety of emergency situations such as high-rise fires or complex rescue operations.
Ocala Fire Chief Clint Welborn stated that the new vehicle “equips us with a secondary elevated master stream, facilitating firefighting and rescue capabilities in high-rise and commercial structures and providing additional leverage during roof access and vertical ventilation operations.”
Ladder 3 officially went into service on Wednesday, July 3, and it has been assigned to OFR’s Station 3 located at 320 NE 8th Avenue.
Ocala Fire Rescue was able to purchase Ladder 3 through funding provided by the Penny Sales Tax.
Earlier this week, Marion County Fire Rescue announced the arrival of its new critical care ambulance.