Testing our apparatus

Our fire apparatus undergoes pump testing and maintenance, if necessary, every two years. This is a very important process as it ensures the pump on the vehicle meets standards for safe operation and is mechanically fit.

It couldn't be clearer how important these tests are. In the case of engine 4, seen here, 3 years ago,  testing identified a problem that, if not immediately repaired, would have resulted in pump failure. The vehicle would have been out of service until the pump was replaced; it would have cost between  $60,000.00 and  $80,000.00.

The repair in this case cost $16,000.00; the selectboard and fire department worked together to find the funding to repair the truck, and it was back in service within a couple of days. 

We have worked with WD Perkins Fire Pump Specialist for several years; they maintain truck pumps and were the ones who discovered the problem with Engine 4 and repaired it.  

Townshend Engine 4 and Grafton Fire Department Engine undergoing pump testing at Townshend Dame