The City of Rockaway Beach is proud to announce the arrival of its new ladder truck, a major investment in public safety and emergency response capabilities. The vehicle was delivered today following final repairs at Freightliner in Spokane, Washington.
The ladder truck represents a significant upgrade for the Rockaway Beach Fire Department, enhancing its ability to respond to fires in multi-story buildings and support rescue operations across the city. This addition aligns with the City’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its emergency services and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike.
“We have one of the best small city Fire Departments in Oregon. With the arrival of this new ladder truck, we’ll fill a vital equipment gap in Rockaway Beach. This is a milestone moment for our community,” said Charles McNeilly, Mayor. “The new ladder truck will greatly improve our firefighting capacity and support the dedicated team of professionals who serve Rockaway Beach every day.”
The truck’s delivery was briefly delayed due to a mechanical issue discovered during transport, but repairs were completed promptly, and the vehicle is now ready for service.
“This ladder truck is a game-changer for our department,” said Todd Hesse, Fire Chief of Rockaway Beach Fire Rescue. “Despite a minor delay due to a leaky wheel seal, we’re excited to finally have it in Rockaway. It will significantly enhance our ability to protect the community and respond to emergencies with greater efficiency.”
The Push-in Ceremony for the ladder truck will be held on Saturday, September 27th at 11am in the parking lot behind City Hall. This tradition marks the entry of the truck into service and has historical roots in the era of horse-drawn fire wagons, when firefighters would physically push the wagons back into the station. The event is an opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the department. Food and beverages, including hotdogs, lemonade, chips, and ice cream, will be provided. There will also be a drawing for a free starter “go bag,” a kids’ coloring contest, and additional promotional items from the Rockaway Beach Fire Department.
For more information, please contact the Rockaway Beach Fire Department at (503) 374-1752 or visit http://www.corb.us