The Chino Valley Fire District has put a new Battalion Chief vehicle in service. The 2013 Tahoe was purchased on a governmental contract and is a police package model. By finding and purchasing a 2013 that was already on a lot, the district avoided the price increases for 2014 and 2015 as well as a model change for 2015. The Tahoe replaces a 1998 Ford Explorer that had become an ongoing maintenance problem, and allows another higher mileage vehicle to be moved into a reserve status. Chief Freitag explains, “Moving the higher mileage front line vehicle into a reserve status lengthens the life of the vehicle, and increases the overall return on investment for the District.” Monies for the Tahoe came from the Districts Capitol Reserve Fund. For a fully outfitted response vehicle, i.e. emergency lighting, computers, radios, etc. the district had budgeted $65,000. However, through the efforts of Battalion Chief Phillip Cox the District was able to come in $12,000 under budget. Historically the Chino Valley Fire District had utilized larger four wheel drive, ¾ ton, V-10 pick-ups as their Battalion Chief vehicle of choice. After careful consideration of their needs, the Chiefs felt that the SUV afforded the necessary space for their gear, provided better visibility which increased their safety, and that the smaller V-8 would decrease fuel consumption. New safety standards required more emergency lighting and additional reflective striping. These new requirements serve to increase the visibility of the vehicle which also increases the safety of our officers at night along non-lit roadways.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 02:12:15 +0000
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