By Brian Hutchins

In late December 2022, the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD) took delivery of the largest, and some would say the most important, truck in their fleet. Some may have already caught a glimpse of the 25-ton piece of fire apparatus on town roads as the firefighters familiarize themselves with the characteristics of this machine.

Plans for this purchase started three years ago after the prior truck, built in 1999, began to leak. That truck was deemed unrepairable owing to components used in its construction. The department’s truck committee was tasked with assessing needs and designing a replacement as the old tanker’s leak continued to get worse.

Water capacity was a priority for the new tanker truck. If there is a fire in an area that does not have fire hydrants, Tanker 100 is tasked with bringing water to the battle. The new truck is equipped to carry 3,000 gallons of water that can be dumped into swimming pool-like tanks or pumped, at 500 gallons per minute, into an engine fighting the fire. There are updated valves on the new vehicle that can fill the truck at 1,000 to 1,500 gallons per minute. A remote control dump chute allows the driver to access everything from inside the truck, providing the safest experience possible for firefighters while being a very efficient water mover.

After the bidding process, Midwest Fire Apparatus from Luverne, Minn., was selected to build the truck. What sets this rig apart from others in the department is that the body is built entirely out of copolymer polypropylene, aka plastic. One advantage of this material is there is no issue with corrosion or body rust (a big plus in Norfolk winters.) Also, there is virtually no maintenance needed as far as the fire body goes. The truck was purchased with $60,000 from the NVFD and $267,000 from ARPA funding.

Once the truck was finished, four members of the NVFD flew out to inspect and take delivery of the new 10-wheeler. Steven Hutchins, Brian Hutchins, Justin Zarzycki and Kerry Yelsits went to make sure the build specs had been followed and to put the truck through its paces. Completely satisfied, Steven Hutchins and Zarzycki then started the trek home, a 22-hour drive. After arrival, the old tanker was given back to the town. If possible, it is to be converted for use by the Norfolk Department of Public Works.

Assistant Chief Steven Hutchins, head of the truck committee, commented, “The NVFD continues to provide the best emergency service protection possible while keeping the reality of our present economy in mind. We design apparatus for the best fit to Norfolk and then find builders who can meet not only our needs but a realistic bottom line.” He added, “This truck will elegantly serve the community for the next 30 years.”