'All the bells and whistles': New Blawnox public works truck in service

Blawnox officials understand having the right equipment can make a huge difference for municipal public works crews.

Roads need to be plowed, streets and sewers need to be repaired and crews need to safely transport themselves and their gear daily.

“That’s what it’s all about,” council Vice President Randall Stoddard said. “Our guys do a great job, and having the right tools and equipment makes that easier for them.”

Which is why the borough used about $80,000 in state funds to purchase a new 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with a western snow plow.

It was bought from U.S. Municipal in Huntingdon and has been in service for about two months.

“This is almost like a garage on wheels,” said Mike Belotti, public works supervisor.

The truck has several large stainless steel storage compartments to house various tools.

There also are lights in the compartments and a power converter so crews can work at night and plug in heavy equipment.

“All the bells and whistles,” Belotti said. “It runs fantastic. It runs all the power tools that we have without having to run a generator.”

The truck replaces a 2007 Ford F-350 and utility bed.

“It was pretty beat up,” Belotti said. “Coming through that many snowstorms (and) that many water breaks. You’re talking 17 years.”

He thanked council for its support with buying the new truck.

The public works department has three workers, including Belotti.

It also has two other trucks, a 2018 Ford F-550 dump truck and 2017 Ford F-350 pickup.

The crew’s latest projects include installing a 30-foot heater in the borough’s volunteer fire company station.