SAUGUS – Town Manager Scott Crabtree and Fire Chief Michael Newbury are thrilled to announce the arrival of a state-of-the-art tower (ladder) fire apparatus that will significantly improve the Saugus Fire Department’s ability to safely respond to emergencies and provide a major benefit to residents for years to come.
The tower fire apparatus, called Tower 1, is a specialized vehicle that comes equipped with a bucket at the end of its boon that can be raised to 100 feet and allows firefighters to safely handle rescue operations at great heights.
The Tower 1 bucket can be lowered or extended out horizontally to assist firefighters with water rescues and other emergency responses. The vehicle also boasts T3 rear steering that offers increased maneuverability and a better turning radius in tight spaces, a backup camera, and numerous enhanced public safety features.
Saugus Fire Chief Michael Newbury explained that the 43-foot-long Tower 1 was custom designed based on the Saugus Fire Department’s needs. Each compartment on the tower fire apparatus was designed to fit equipment that firefighters utilize on a day-to-day basis.
“This is really a moving toolbox,” Chief Newbury said. “Tower 1 has all the specialized equipment and things that firefighters rely on for the job.”
Chief Newbury praised his staff for playing an instrumental role in working with Pierce Manufacturing on the design process to ensure that Tower 1 met the Fire Department’s expectations.
Crabtree recognized Chief Newbury’s outstanding commitment, visionary leadership, and forward-looking initiatives over the years. He highlighted the Chief’s role in further professionalizing the department and guiding it successfully into the 21st century to better serve his fire fighters and the Saugus community.
Crabtree also credited the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and Town Meeting for their support and approval of the new tower fire apparatus. Replacing older fire apparatus with new vehicles is a key part of the ongoing effort to prioritize public safety through capital improvement projects, he said.
“I can’t thank Chief Newbury, the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Town Meeting, and Saugus residents enough for their continued support for public safety improvement projects such as Tower 1,” Crabtree said. “The Chief’s vision and their backing was crucial to making this happen. It’s truly impressive how much we can accomplish when everyone is on the same page about the importance of public safety.”
Tower 1 will be deployed into service once all of the Saugus firefighter groups receive training on the apparatus. Tower 1 will replace Ladder 1 as a frontline vehicle operating out of the Public Safety Building on Hamilton Street.
Chief Newbury stressed that Tower 1 is a welcome addition to the Saugus Fire Department’s vehicle fleet.
“I want to thank the Town Manager for his leadership in regards to recognizing the need to replace the frontline apparatus consistently during his tenure,” Chief Newbury said. “The new equipment makes the job safer for the department members, but as a department we also recognize that the investment in this capital equipment benefits the community as a whole.”
