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VSECU Helps Berlin Fire Department Purchase New Trucks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2007

With the help of the Vermont State Employees Credit Union, the firefighters at the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., have the new, modern fire trucks they need to better serve their community.

The fire trucks include a refurbished 1978 platform and ladder tower truck to replace their 1967 open-cab tower truck and a 3,000-gallon water tanker, custom-built to the fire department’s specifications. The fire department was able to purchase the trucks through a combination of a federal grant, local funding and a business loan through VBiz, the Credit Union’s cooperative business services for nonprofits and small businesses.

“The VSECU’s Berlin Branch and VBiz offices are located directly across the street from the Berlin Fire Department,” said Scott Nichols, VBiz business advisor. “so we see members of the department regularly caring for the equipment, performing drills and working hard to protect us. It was gratifying to be able to help them purchase these trucks, which makes their job easier and the people who live and work in this community safer.”

According to Butch Morrissette, the fire department’s treasurer, the new tower truck is a great improvement over the old truck because the ladder can extend 85 feet into the air lifting firefighters to the top height of multi-story buildings, such as Berlin’s Central Vermont Medical Center. “We can deliver a large amount of water and gain access to the roof a lot easier than with a ladder extending from the ground. It’s safer, too,” Morrissette said. He also noted that the closed cab would provide a much more comfortable ride in the winter months.

The tanker truck, which can pump out 500 gallons of water per minute, is a necessity in rural Vermont where many properties do not have hydrants nearby to provide water. “We have to bring the water with us,” Morrissette said, “so the tanker enables us to be more effective and get water to the fire quickly.”

Bob Simon, the fire department’s deputy chief, said both trucks are vital for them to carry out their mission, and the tower truck also will provide rescue and life safety services to the community. He said the residents and businesses of the Town of Berlin have been supportive of their efforts at town meeting, and the loan provided by the VSECU provided the remainder of the funds they needed to reach their goal.

A VBiz loan through the Vermont State Employees Credit Union made it possible for the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., to purchase two new fire trucks. The fire department is a member of the Capital Fire Mutual Aid System which serves communities throughout central Vermont. Pictured are (l. to r.) Scott Nichols, the VSECU’s VBiz business advisor; Butch Morrissette, fire department treasurer; Terri Crowther and Eunyoung Denny, VBiz business services consultants.

For further information, contact:
Lynette Kemp, 802-371-5182