(Mt. Olive, NJ) The Budd Lake First Aid and Rescue Squad is pleased to announce the arrivial of our newest ambulance, Rig 73.
This new ambulance is a demo model designed by The Vickery Companies from the Flanders section of Mt. Oliive and built by Braun Industries of Van Wert, Ohio, a maker of ambulances since 1972. This will be Station 27's first Braun.
"This was a project two years in the making," says Captain Frank Carlo, "the 'old' 73 has had a multitude of problems that made it less than relaiable."
The previous "73" was purchased in 1996 by the township and was removed from service as a primary response unit in 2006 by Carlo due to a faulty electrical system in the patient compartment.
"We origianally wanted a new vehicle that was made for just for us but there were problems at the Ford end and we really didn't want to go with the unproven GM model so we insisted on a Ford E Series vehicle." Carlo said.
When Carlo and members of the Squad met with vendors they were always shown the GM model. Many vendors were unsure of the status of the Ford line.
"I was shocked when only two vendors were present at the Bid Opening in August. I was even more shocked when only one submitted a bid and for a Ford 'demo' model".
Following the opening Carlo studied the bid submitted by Vickery for a Braun demo model Ford.
"I went to inspect the vehcile when in arrived at Vickery and it was very close to what we had speced out, so we decided to recommend to the town that they accept the bid.", Carlo says.
Rig 73, once in service, will replace the exsisting 73 that has outlived it's operational lifetime and does not meet federal or state recommendations. The new ambulance also has a state-of-the-art computer control system, all LED warning light system and custom graphics designed by the Squad and Vickery.
"When it all comes down to it I think that everyone will be pleased with what we have done. By purchasing a demo unit we actuatlly go more for the money and actually came in under what was budgeted."
There will be a dedication ceremony in the near future to dedicate the new Rig for a closer inspection by members of the Town Council, Admistration and other officials. |
