Elizabeth Doney Havre Daily News edoney@havredailynews.com
Havre airport customers will breathe a little easier when the new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle that was funded arrives. The vehicle was made possible through funding from the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to keep Havre in compliance with the federal requirements for safety. Montana Senators’ Max Baucus and Jon Tester announced the funding last week. “The reason that we are getting the vehicle is for safety,” Bob Breum, Havre City- County Airport Board Chairman said. “If someone does have a mishap, we’ll have a vehicle available to help in case of an emergency and that’s basically what this fire truck is supposed to do.” Fire and rescue efforts will be enhanced by the new vehicle that will have fuel fire suppression water/foam and dry chemicals available in case of an aircraft accident. Because regular water will not put out fuel fires, this added support along with local fire and police radios makes Havre prepared for unforeseen circumstances that may arise. The truck is a Class II vehicle and will carry 300 gallons of water and 500 lbs. Of dry chemical. Bids were opened last week and Rosenbauer General Safety Equipment and Crash Rescue Equipment was awarded the purchase in the amount of $191,354. The airport was required to put in a cost match of 5 percent or approximately $10,000 for the vehicle. Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson Engineering were selected as project managers for the acquisition of the truck under an airport improvement program that also funded most of the past renovations at the airport. The engineering firm is still getting the contract in place and expects the vehicle to take up to a year to manufacture with an available date for the airport next May. “The new fire truck will be good for Havre - it will enhance the safety of the airport,” Breum said. “If an emergency should come up, we will be able to handle it more quickly - time is of the essence in things like that.” “I am very pleased that Havre got these much needed dollars,” Baucus said. “A lot of folks fly into Havre, and having this equipment could literally mean the difference between life and death.” “A growing city like Havre needs resources to be prepared for the unthinkable,” Tester said. “I’m pleased the government is pitching in to help make Havre a safer place to live and visit.” Airport and fire department personnel will be trained to operate the vehicle.
