By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Studies have shown a greater exposure to smoke leads to an increased risk of cancer. Firefighters are exposed to several different chemicals, gases and smoke.
The Great Bend City Council approved a new fire staff vehicle this week, replacing a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe with a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado.
Fire Chief Brent Smith said the main reason for the switch from the SUV to a pickup is to have the ability separate their gear, which gets saturated with smoke.
"Just getting that gear out of cabs is a higher priority," said Smith. "I didn't price a Tahoe. I've looked at them personally, and they're significantly higher than a pickup. The main thing for us is getting that gear out of the cab where personnel are sitting."
Great Bend purchased the pickup from Superior Emergency Response Vehicles in Andover for $49,131. The demo vehicle will be available in late February and will be fitted with a lights and siren package. The pickup will have a locked bed cover so the fire department can still store equipment in the bed. Smith noted his department likes to change out vehicles after six years, usually accumulating 100,000 miles in that time.
Smith said crews generally wash their gear within a day or two of responding to a fire.
"We purchased another washing machine last year with some COVID money," said Smith. "We put another washer at Station #1 so the guys have that opportunity to be in clean gear."
Smith will use the Chevy pickup once it arrives as his vehicle.