Lower Burrell fire department unveils refurbished truck

Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 saved more than $300,000 by refurbishing its primary fire engine instead of buying a new one, according to a fire department official and city councilman.

The 2001 Pierce fire engine was refurbished for $257,000 and the department expects the work will allow the truck to provide another 10 to 12 years of service, said Brennan Sites, assistant chief of Lower Burrell No. 3.

A new fire truck would have cost between $600,000 and $650,000, he said.

“The refurbishing was very important to do now because the truck is almost 20 years old, and was showing signs of age but still functional,” he said.

The truck was unveiled over the weekend and blessed by the Rev. Ken Zaccagnini from St. Margaret Mary Church of Lower Burrell. About 60 people attended the ceremony at the fire station along Leechburg Road.

The refurbishment included an overhaul of the truck’s water pump, body work and installation of new LED emergency lights, a new radiator, a new light tower to light up a scene at night.

“By finding a way to refurbish and revitalize the truck, it has given them an economical solution that will help our community for the next decade-plus,” Lower Burrell Councilman Chris Fabry said.

“The Cedar Crest Apartments fire in May is a prime example of how vital volunteers and their equipment are to our city,” he added.

Fabry acknowledged how fundraising is difficult under normal circumstances and has been even more challenging during the covid-19 pandemic.

The city kicked in $120,000 for the work on the fire truck, while the fire department will continue rely on fundraising to bring in additional money for the overhaul.

Future fundraisers include three food truck round-ups next year. Currently, the company is selling lottery calendars for $20, which offer patrons the chance to win $25 or more based on numbers drawn by the Pennsylvania Lottery.

For more information, visit the department’s Facebook page.