Wilmer christens new ladder truck

WILMER – It was a large turnout earlier this week in Wilmer as city leaders, staff, residents, and friends of the city joined the Wilmer Fire Department in christening its new fire apparatus.

Wilmer Fire Chief David Gifford said, “Fire service is notorious for walking the line between cutting edge technology and tradition, holding to the past while utilizing the technology of the future.”

The city’s new truck is part of the technology for the future and Gifford acknowledged, “This represents our department’s commitment to protecting the citizens and businesses in Wilmer.”

This is the first ladder truck for the city.

Gifford said, “With all the development and growth we are having in Wilmer the city backed us when we told them we were going to need this kind of apparatus to be able to respond to some of the newer builds we have within the city.”

Gifford outlined the new apparatus; 2024 Spartan heavy duty L4 Gladiator series. 

The engine is a 2000-gallon per minute rescue pumper with a 1,000 gallons of water, 20 gallons of foam and heavy risk tools. 

The ladder is 107-foot and has a 2000-gallon per minute pump, carries 500-gallons of water and has all the rescue tools needed for response.

This engine will replace the current engine that will be moved to reserve status.

Officially being welcomed to its new home, the fire department doors were lifted and the new engine was rolled inside by those in attendance.

“I am very proud to see this fire truck come to pass,” said Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta. “I am in this office for you and I am honored to be part of this addition to the Fire Department today.”