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Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department
Receives “new” Fire Engine
Christmas came early for Placencia Peninsula residents and volunteers of the Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department. Two days before Christmas, they received a new (to them) Volvo fire engine, surplus from the London Fire Brigade in London, England.
Until it arrived Wednesday afternoon, very few details were known about the apparatus.
On Monday PVFD Fire Chief Kathy Anglin received a phone call from Asst Fire Chief Middleton of the Belize National Fire Service, advising her that Minister Hulse had instructed BNFS Chief Briggs to deliver a new fire truck to Placencia before Christmas.
We understand that while 10 engines were donated only 7 could fit on the ship, and Placencia was designated to receive one of them.
When the engine arrived, members of the Dangriga Fire Department and reps from the National Fire Service from Belize City took the engine to the water taxi dock on the lagoon where they assisted local volunteers in learning the basic operation of the pump.
The new fire engine was featured in the Placencia Christmas Eve Parade as a way to present the community with their new fire apparatus. Several volunteers rode the apparatus while it displayed full lights and siren, and it even carried Santa.
“This engine brings our fire department to a new level of service delivery. This is just what this community needed. What a Merry Christmas for everyone on the Peninsula,” said Peninsula Volunteer Fire Chief Kathy Anglin.
The apparatus carries 500 gallons of water, assorted equipment and hose, and has a seating for 6 people with their personal protective gear. Because the truck comes from England the driver sits on the other side of the engine, so this will require some getting used to.
Driver and pumper training will begin immediately for those who will be operating the engine. Until a permanent home can be built or found, the fire engine will be kept at the Police Station in Placencia.
For photos of the new engine go to www.flickr.com/photos/mcgkd/sets and click on the Belize-PVFD link.
For questions regarding this release, please contact Jim Weller at 523-3599 or jimandcindy@wellerbelize.com
