New Lower Burrell ladder truck gives firefighters 'dual functionality' on calls

Chief Brennan Sites of Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 had been eyeing a new fire engine for the past year-and-a-half, but a Father’s Day fire last year on Jefferson Drive had him rethinking what he really needed.

While no one was hurt in the fire, Sites knew that if his department had a ladder truck, crews would have been able to to put out the blaze more efficiently.

“As a chief, that fire woke me up,” he said. “We couldn’t ventilate the roof as quickly as we wanted.”

Lower Burrell No. 3 is typically known for its engine trucks, but the department has added a tower truck to its fleet.

On Friday morning, that truck went into service.

The department purchased Tower 69 in November from the municipality of Murrysville for $180,000. The truck is about 22 years old.

“They gave us a really good deal on it,” Sites said. “They kept it in remarkable shape.”

Tower 69 will be the primary unit to respond to most structure fires in the area, Sites said. Its ladder is 100 feet and is able to reach Lower Burrell Manor — the tallest building in the city.

“This gives us a dual functionality that if we have to start fire suppression, we can,” Sites said. “This is why we shifted to the truck, because it is dual-purpose.”

With a decline in volunteers in most towns, having the tower truck will ensure a quicker response to area fires than waiting for a mutual aid department, Sites said.

Sites said his crew has spent the past nine months training on the apparatus and replacing and updating equipment there. Ten members of the department are qualified to drive the truck, which is able to maneuver all city streets.

Members of the Kinloch fire department joined Lower Burrell No. 3 for training Thursday night.

“(Kinloch Chief Ted Hereda) and I have really worked over the last year and a half to build our working, cooperative relationship,” Sites said.

There are a few more touch-ups to the truck that the crew will be working on, including a new front bumper and paint job. The department budgeted $500,000 for the apparatus.

A truck fund yielded about $2,200 in donations from the community. Donations to the find can still be made by mailing or dropping off money at the station, 3255 Leechburg Road.

“We’re appreciative of any cent we get from anybody, because it all goes to good use,” Sites said.

Brandy Grieff, city councilwoman and head of public safety, said the tower truck will be an asset.

“I am so excited for a ladder truck to be in the city of Lower Burrell,” Grieff said. “This is years in the making. And to see Tower 69 come to fruition, I know the department is thrilled and proud. It will be an incredible asset to the city and surrounding communities.”