Golden's Bridge Fire Department unveils state-of-the-art Engine 140

GOLDENS BRIDGE, N.Y. - The Golden's Bridge Fire Department has unveiled Engine 140, a custom fire engine equipped with advanced technology designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve protection for residents, businesses and institutions throughout the community.

Manufactured by 4Guys Fire Trucks in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, Engine 140 incorporates the latest advancements in firefighting technology, safety and operational efficiency. The apparatus was custom designed to meet the department's needs and the unique response challenges of the Golden's Bridge Fire District, which serves the Lewisboro hamlet of Golden's Bridge as well as portions of Somers and North Salem.

Built on a Spartan chassis and powered by a Cummins X12 diesel engine, the new apparatus features a custom rear body that maximizes equipment storage and accessibility while improving firefighter safety and efficiency.

Engine 140 will serve as the department's primary fire attack engine. It is equipped to respond to structure, brush and vehicle fires, as well as motor vehicle accidents, and was designed with the district's varied response area in mind. That coverage includes the Metro-North Railroad station, the Interstate 684 corridor, a church, school, shopping center, professional offices and several large business campuses, including a car dealership and plumbing supply house.

The new engine combines advanced firefighting capabilities with enhanced safety features, making it one of the most capable apparatuses ever placed into service by the department.

Fire Commissioner Edward Brancati said the new engine represents years of fiscal responsibility, planning and collaboration between the Golden's Bridge Fire District and Fire Department.

"This is an essential investment in emergency response that will serve on the frontlines of our community well into the future," said Brancati, chairman of the district's Board of Fire Commissioners. "It will enhance the safety of our volunteer firefighters, strengthen the department's emergency response abilities and operational preparedness, and provide an even greater level of protection to our residents, businesses, and institutions."

Brancati added that the district remains committed to providing the highest level of service through ongoing training, modernization and investment in equipment.

At the heart of Engine 140 is a Waterous 2,000-gallon-per-minute top-mount midship fire pump capable of delivering large volumes of water during firefighting operations. The elevated pump position improves visibility for firefighters and, during incidents involving vehicles and tractor-trailers on Interstate 684, allows crews to operate farther from moving traffic.

The apparatus carries a 1,000-gallon water tank, 1,500 feet of 5-inch large-diameter supply hose and 1,400 feet of attack hose, allowing firefighters to establish reliable water supplies and deploy multiple hand lines during emergencies.

Engine 140 also features an 80-gallon Class B foam cell and a complete foam delivery system designed to suppress fuel-fed vehicle and tanker truck fires.

Fire Chief Albert Melillo said the engine was specifically equipped to address both structure fires and the hazards associated with incidents along the Interstate 684 corridor.

"The Goldens Bridge community, and those in the Somers and North Salem portions of the district, should be proud of the new Engine 140," Melillo said. "Our personnel are very appreciative of the fire district's commitment to outfitting the department with the apparatus and equipment, and numerous training opportunities, that keeps our firefighters safe and enables us to provide high-quality emergency services to our residents, businesses and institutions."

Additional features include a six-person cab with enhanced safety systems, self-contained breathing apparatus-compatible seating, LED emergency lighting, a digital pump control interface, a state-of-the-art camera system, multiple rescue tool compartments, ventilation equipment, medical response gear, a Harrison 10-kilowatt onboard generator and a 15-foot Will-Burt Night Scan light tower for nighttime operations.

Engine 140 replaces a frontline engine that served the department for more than 30 years. Fire Commissioner Robert Melillo said advances in firefighting technology, safety systems and emergency response capabilities made the replacement necessary.

"The new apparatus reflects the commitment of the Board of Fire Commissioners to the protection, safety and well-being of our community and firefighters," said Melillo, an ex-fire chief now in his 38th year with the department. "It was a long process with an enormous number of hours spent reviewing and monitoring the construction every step of the way, including multiple trips to the Pennsylvania manufacturing plant. It took a team effort to make this project a reality."

Melillo oversaw the construction process and performed the final factory inspection alongside Brancati and Fire Commissioner Robert Kelly before representatives from 4Guys Fire Trucks delivered the apparatus to the Golden's Bridge Firehouse.

Engine 140 will officially be commissioned into service on July 4 to coincide with the nation's 250th anniversary.

"The historic date marks not only the celebration of our Nation's founding, but also this new addition to the Golden's Bridge Fire Department fleet," Brancati said.

To learn more about the GBFD, including volunteer opportunities, visit www.goldensbridgefd.org