At the Copperopolis Fire Protection District Board meeting held on May 9, 2013 Chief Kovacs presented the board with a proposal to purcahse a new 'used' engine. The new engine has a 14' ladder with a 24' extension. It has 1500 gallon per minute flow with a 5" hose, holds six firefighters and has the capability of holding all equipment needed at a scene, no matter the scene - fire, medical aid, mutual aid, etc.
The engine is a 1999 Pierce Quantum with 48k miles. The engine can "service us for a good 10 years" said Kovacs. This engine would replace the current Engine 236, a 1974 build-up engine.
The new Engine would also "allow us to service commercial space" said Kovacs. According to standard fire strategy tactic training any structure exceeding 3000 square feet is treated as a commercial fire with hose needs and potential ladder needs greater than those with less square feet.
Jerry Andress first the motion and Ed Gouzenne seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously with Maness absent.
Bids will soon be accepted for transport of the Engine from Georgia to Copperopolis. Plans will also be made to sell 236.
The board was also made aware that the Fire Chiefs Assocaition accepted a MOU (memorandum of understaning) with CALFIRE regarding reimbursement for service time.
Often times Copper Firefighters fight SRA (State Responsibility Area) fires. If CFPD firefighters are on scene a minimum of 2 hours the State will reimburse the District based on Engine type and manpower based on class ex: Captain, Firefighter, Paramedic, etc. at the scene. This will not reduce the personnel available to our community...community response comes first.
