A contingent of Lakewood Fire Department members traveled to Wisconsin last week to conduct a final inspection of the department’s brand-new Seagrave 75-foot Aerialscope Tower Ladder before it is delivered to Lakewood.
The representatives spent two days at the manufacturer reviewing the truck’s systems, equipment, and overall build quality to ensure it meets the department’s specifications before it enters service.
The tower ladder was originally ordered with a price tag of approximately $1.6 million. However, supply chain issues during the manufacturing process increased the cost by roughly $200,000. Despite the increase, officials noted that ordering the same apparatus today would cost well over $2.5 million due to continued inflation and rising manufacturing costs.
Once delivered, the new tower ladder will become one of the department’s newest frontline apparatus, enhancing its aerial operations and rescue capabilities.
Do they use tax money for this?
Of course. That’s why we pay taxes – this is for our safety.
Yes. Do you want them spending over 1 million dollars of your tax dollars and not inspecting it first?
I’m pretty sure we voted for this
This actually looks very cool and hope it only gets used for the kids shows…
where will it be Stationed?
It’s an engineering marvel.
i WISH that we should all have it in good health for many decades, hardy ever need it and never have any accidents while responding.
The inspection trips are included in the purchase. Usually a pre build, a mid and final inspection.
Finally it’s almost ready! It was planned on for a few years already. This is a new type of ladder truck for Lakewood. Being an Aerialscope means it has the bucket in the back instead of the front, among other details. The newest ladder is from 2019, and with Lakewood growing we can use another ladder. We do have an Aerial currently, but it was bought used from West Long Branch and is from 1989. This one looks epic! It’s pretty big,and has a different design than all other Lakewood Fire Apparatus. Great job to the company that built it! Looking forward to see it pretty soon responding around town!!